CAPTAIN'S CLUB: Bryan McCabe Joins Brian Skrudland with Panthers Hockey Development

BY GEORGE RICHARDS grichards@MiamiHerald.com

TWITTER: @GeorgeRichards

PITTSBURGH -- The Panthers had a familiar face at their draft table this weekend as Bryan McCabe joined the team's front office.

McCabe, the Panthers captain from 2009-11, officially joins the hockey development department July 1.

McCabe, who retired after not playing last season, helped Tallon during the trade deadline and was seen around the Panthers for a good part of the year.

“He wants to learn the business,'' GM Dale Tallon said. “And I think it's great.''

McCabe will help fellow former captain Brian Skrudland work with Florida's young talent on both the junior and minor league level. McCabe basically replaces former teammate Cory Stillman who recently left for Carolina.

“This is an opportunity to work with the kids,'' McCabe said. “I'm still relevant a little bit in which the kids know who I am. They saw me play. I think I can help out and groom these kids.''

Said Skrudland: “I'm thrilled. We have a forward in development in myself and Bryan's a defenseman so we have things covered. He's fresh out of the game just like Cory was. Bryan has the hands-on where he just packed it in. He's a great addition.''