Flyers defenseman Derian Hatcher announced his retirement from the NHL on Monday and was subsequently named Philadelphia's new player development coach.
Hatcher, who missed all of this past season due to a right knee injury that eventually required knee replacement surgery, takes over a role previously held by Eric Desjardins. Another former Flyers defenseman, Desjardins vacated the role to pursue other business interests.
"We are pleased to add Derian to our coaching staff in this very important capacity," said Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren. "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."
The 37-year-old had spent parts of the last four seasons with the Flyers and was named their 14th captain in team history on January 29, 2006, a role he held until September of that year. Hatcher also won a Stanley Cup title with the Dallas Stars in 1999, becoming the only American-born player to captain a club to a Stanley Cup championship.
In 1,045 career regular-season games, Hatcher posted 80 goals, 251 assists, 331 points and 1,581 penalty minutes with Minnesota/Dallas, Detroit and Philadelphia. He also had 33 points in 133 career playoff games.
The Michigan-born defender was drafted eighth overall by the Minnesota North Stars in 1990 and is a two-time Olympic skater with the United States.
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