There's one thing to remember about Jeremy Roenick: He has a mind of his own.

An engaging guy when you get him rolling (not that it takes much), Roenick is not afraid to speak out. He's a great interview, knows how to toss quotable quips to eager scribes and isn't afraid to harpoon anyone who needs it.

But like Captain Ahab, Roenick doesn't know when to quit. His particular white whale is the Stanley Cup. So when old Blackhawks mate Doug Wilson returned an agent's calls and decided to give Roenick one more shot with a legitimate Cup contender, Roenick was not at a loss for words. "Yes" was all he had to say.

In fact, Roenick says he'll keep to himself this season. This, I've got to see.

OK, he also wants to score five goals to bring his career total to 500. No shame in wanting to come back for that. Want to bet Glenn Anderson would jump at any offer to try to score the two he needs for 500?

Silence is golden, Jeremy. Hang that bromide in your locker, lug it around in your bags, and tattoo it to your arm so you can read it. Become the anti-Brett Hull.

Funny thing is, I really think he'll be on his best behavior. He says he'll "blend in." OK, I'm gullible. Doug Wilson isn't, and Wilson signed the guy. I believe Wilson more than I believe Roenick.

With Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton ahead of him on the depth chart, Roenick won't have to be a leader, a top-line center or more than a 10-minute performer. He can focus on his game, on being a solid depth player.

Focusing has been a problem for Roenick, who's melon has been thumped so often it could be in a roadside product stand. His body has the mileage of a Mack truck. For those facts alone I'd like to see Roenick hang up his skates, same as I would like Eric Lindros to decide a gig with the NHLPA is his next smart career move.

But Roenick isn't one to quit. It's a bit of the Boston guy in him. And those two career achievements, of course.

Preseason is a time for optimism, and I'm optimistic Roenick will contribute to the Sharks. Yeah, he was a bomb with the Kings and a dud with the Coyotes. Yeah, he actually walked out on the Coyotes at one point. (Can't blame him for that; fans did the same last season, if they showed up at all). Yeah, he retired and then reneged on it this summer.

The biggest questioned being asked about Roenick's signing is "why." Forget the milestones he burns to achieve. Why would the Sharks, a deep, talented team that does smart things and heals its own wounds, risk a move with Roenick?

Again, trust Wilson. "We know him very well," Wilson said, "and we know he's a player who has always been at his best when he's had a chance to win. With him, he's coming in as a hockey player, and this is not to sell tickets. His role is to help us win hockey games."

Fair enough. Wilson holds the leash. He probably has a muzzle on order.

Welcome back, JR. You've brightened the day of many a scribe. Now, if you'd just tell us what exactly happened in the Olympic dorm at Nagano back in '98.