The statistics keep piling up for John LeClair – and so do the honors.
LeClair will reach yet another career milestone the next time he lights the lamp. The 15-year NHL veteran has 399 goals and could reach 400 when the Penguins welcome the Florida Panthers on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Mellon Arena.

In his first season with the Penguins, LeClair established himself as one of the NHL’s premiere power forwards in a distinguished career that saw him play in Montreal and Philadelphia as well.

“I remember watching him in Montreal, he was as good down low as any player I’ve ever seen,” Penguins veteran radio play-by-play announcer Paul Steigerwald said. “He didn’t have big numbers back then, but he was a young player. Then, he went to Philly and it all came together. Seeing him in Montreal, there was no evidence he was going to be a big goal scorer, but you knew he was a guy who could grind it out down low and he was a really valuable power forward in that respect. Then, the goals started coming and you see how skilled he is. He worked at becoming a great goal scorer and he deserves what he gets. What makes him cool is that he’s kind of an indomitable force in front of the net.”

LeClair, a Vermont native, will become only the seventh American-born player to reach 400 goals. Joe Mullen (502), Mike Modano (484), Jeremy Roenick (483), Pat LaFontaine (468), Keith Tkachuk (443) and Tony Amonte (404) are the only Americans in the exclusive 400-goal club.

Already this season, LeClair reached 400 assists, 800 points and 900 games played. In 935 games, he has 399 goals, 403 assists and 803 points. In his last 16 games, LeClair has 16 points (7+9). He ranks third on the Penguins with 42 points (17+25).

“He missed all of last year and was coming off back surgery, too,” Steigerwald said. “To me, he is a real valuable guy to have and I hope he comes back next year. I feel bad for him that the season didn’t work out the way he wanted it to – he’s going to miss the playoffs for the first time in his career. But, at the same time, if he hangs around here for next year, I think he’s going to have a real good time.”

LeClair has brought a valuable veteran presence to a team filled with youngsters.

“I think it’s just a pleasure having him around. He’s just a nice guy. He’s a good person,” Steigerwald said. “He’s one of those quiet guys who goes out and just does his job. In that respect, he’s also a leader. He doesn’t say much, but you can tell he takes his job seriously. He’s like a warrior.”