"Hatch"

Derian Hatcher's days in the NHL are likely over. He is going to be on the long term IR for the start of the season. This is good because it cures the Flyers cap room problem and they don't (not saying they wont) have to deal Upshall or Knuble. Also, players like Dowd and Berard can be signed if they make a good enough case for themselves. I would just like to say that I think Hatcher kind of got a bad rap. He was not build for the new NHL, but I think he was able to change his game eventually and became an effective player. Yeah speed is important but so is that quiet leader type that can just punish guys that skate over the blueline. Hatcher was that guy and we dont seem to have another guy to fit that role just yet. Hatch gave it his all and his body was in terrible shape and he was in awful pain yet he played through it and was a big part of our PK last year. I know a lot of people hated him. He would frustrated me sometimes, but I think he helped out last season. The guy was never an asshole about it when the fans turned on him and I think helped pass work ethic on to our younger guys. It rumored that Hatch will get a cushy job with the Flyers. I hope so, because he certainly earned it playing with blown out knees last season. YEah he was slow, but its time to give Hatch some love. Again I think people just used him too much as punching bag. Good luck Hatch, and if you come back, please dont plow over Lupul again. We just signed him for a few more years and he cant get his spine all burised up again.