Hatcher’s playing career officially over

Courtesy of Kevin Kurz and @Flyersonthefly

While some believed that future Hall of Famer defenseman Derian Hatcher could make a possible return to the Flyers during their 2008-09 playoff run, people in the know, knew that Hatcher’s right knee was damaged to the point of no return.  And on June 1, major surgery officially ended what was a storied career.

Hatcher underwent full right knee replacement surgery on the same damaged leg that hobbled him throughout the 07-08 playoffs.  With almost no mobility, the Flyers put him on LTIR to start the 08-09 season, but Hatcher’s will to compete saw him back on the ice trying to make a comeback.  But unfortunately for him, his knee wouldn’t agree, unceremoniously ending his playing career.  Hatcher has not declared retirement, but it can’t be far behind.

Despite not being able to meet the guys on the ice, Hatcher will remain with the team.  He is rumored to one of the coaches tapped to run the Flyers prospect camp that takes place weeks before training camp begins.

Hatcher won the Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999.  He was the first America-born captain to ever lead a team to the cup.  He was signed as a free agent by the Flyers in 2005 and had nine goals and 24 assists in 203 games.