Hatcher Returns

by The Legend on Apr 14, 2009 3:31 PM EDT

There have been rumors all season that Flyers defenseman Derian Hatcher would make it back on the ice in time for the playoffs.

And this morning, there he was.

But don't get ahead. Hatcher is joining the team in a player/coach role and will be traveling with the Flyers through the playoffs.

"Paul [Holmgren, general manager] just asked me to travel with the team yesterday," Hatcher said. "Obviously I said yes. They want me to be more of a player role than a coaching role and be around the guys, joke around, help them out when I can or whatever."

Hatcher has been on long-term injury all season because his knees just can't take NHL hockey any longer. He has stayed around the team, training and trying to stay in shape.

So does this means he could try a comeback?

"Noooo," Hatcher said. "Does it look like it? Don't even, no. I have to wear a brace on my knee just to be out there. I'm going to be like an eighth defenseman with no chance of playing."

Even though it would be awesome to see him play again(at least for me) this is probably the best thing for him and it is a good thing for the young defenseman on the team.

This item was written by a member of this community and is not necessarily endorsed by Broad Street Hockey.

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Comments

It will be good to have him around, But he really has no business on the ice. we dont need another player taking hooking penalties and putting the Penguins on the power play because hes to slow to keep up with the action

by njh3293 on Apr 14, 2009 3:37 PM EDT reply actions

I know he has no business on the ice anymore I just liked watching him play and I agree with everything you said.

by The Legend on Apr 14, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions

im pretty sure

lupul and his damaged spinal cord say “NO”

World F#$king Champions

by psudrozz on Apr 14, 2009 3:39 PM EDT reply actions

This is great

He can’t possibly hurt, and he’s a good guy. I’m glad to see he’s traveling with us, a guy like that is the perfect influence for a youngster like Sbisa. Defensive minded defenseman teaching the brilliant offensive minded blueliner a few things just in time for the playoffs? SIgn me up!

by Alon on Apr 14, 2009 5:14 PM EDT reply actions

I was very happy to see the CSN clip of him on the ice. Classy (and smart) move by Homer to bring him back. Flyers need their own version of Jamie Moyer. And while most people think this will help the Coburn’s, Carle’s, and Sbisa’s on the team, I’m honestly hoping he helps with our two worst defensemen: Randy Jones and Andrew Alberts. I like Alberts (everyone who reads this blog knows how much I hate Randy Jones) and think Hatch will only make him better. They play a very similar game and Hatcher can only help him improve. Plus, maybe he can teach Jones how to actually check somebody.

by Geoff Detweiler on Apr 14, 2009 9:48 PM EDT reply actions

I don't like Jones either

I think it was last year heading into the playoffs I was p*ssed that he was starting over Ryan Parent and I got even more p*ssed when we re-signed him.

by The Legend on Apr 15, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

It’s going to help the entire defense… well, besides maybe Timonen since he doesn’t need much help. This is great news and a great move by Homer. I’m sure Hatch has to be thrilled to feel included, too.

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by Travis Hughes on Apr 14, 2009 10:06 PM EDT reply actions