After 17 seasons in the NHL, Flyers’ defenseman and former captain Derian Hatcher has put away the skates in exchange for a suit. The Flyers announced today that Hatcher would be their new player development coach.
“We are pleased to add Derian to our coaching staff in this very important capacity. Derian will spend valuable time with the young players throughout our organization, working on their on-ice game as well as helping these young players deal with the issues playing and/or preparing to play professional hockey,” Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said according to the Flyer Web site.
The 37-year-old Hatcher will take over the position from Eric Desjardins, a former Flyers defenseman and captain as well, who left to pursue other options.
“I am very excited. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when Paul offered me this position. It sounded like the perfect way to stay in the game and see if I like it," said Hatcher. "I will be watching the younger players and making sure everything runs smoothly for them. I will be involved with running the rookie camp this summer, where I will get to work closely with some of our younger players."
The retirement announcement was not a surprising one. Hatcher missed all of last season, including the playoffs, with a knee injury that lead to replacement surgery two weeks ago.
Hatcher retires with 80 goals and 251 assists for 331 points and 1,581 penalty minutes in 1,045 regular season games. He is also the only American-born player to captain a team to a Stanley Cup Championship (Dallas Stars).
