Can't expect hatch to tag along for no pay for an entire season... The guy does have a family, after all
He doesn't have to tag along for 41 road games. The guy does live here. I'm sure he's been around the team. But if you're have the guy hang around the team on the road to just be one of the guys and be a veteran guy...couldn't start like 2 months ago? Or bring him around every now and then on the road throughout the season?
They've probably keeping tabs on him, and his knees, all season long. Hopefully he's been rehabbing, if that's even possible with his condition, and staying in shape. As we all know, the Flyers will lose all four of their top four dmen at the same time during the playoffs, like they always do.
They've probably keeping tabs on him, and his knees, all season long. Hopefully he's been rehabbing, if that's even possible with his condition, and staying in shape. As we all know, the Flyers will lose all four of their top four dmen at the same time during the playoffs, like they always do.
he can't play, according to reports earlier he could even get on the ice without serious pain and immediate swelling, now he said he can't even go out without a big brace
I applaud this move...maybe it'll bring some emotion. I'm sure the boys will be jacked anyways but it's nice to have a guy like Hatch around for a little added guidance if nothing else. I wonder if this makes Stevens and Berube nervous at all?
Only gjk would have to try to bring something negative about this.
"why start now?"
Just accept the fact that he's going to be around now providing help/support for all of the players in that locker room. Is his presence really going to help any in that room? Probably not. Would it have helped weeks ago? Again..probably not. But he's there, doing what he can, and that's fine by me. I'm sure the guy has been training/rehabbing for the past 6 months and wasn't able to fit Flyer road trips into his schedule. Sorry to upset you.
edit: Now that I've actually read the full article, it even says in there that he's been around the team and training. I'm sure he's been there the whole time, and they are just announcing it now because of cap reasons/whatever the legal issues are.
Quote:
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.
I dont think it has all that much to do with anything other than making him feel like part of the team. Hes been cool enough to not attempt a comeback and destroy the cap and I'm sure they want to make him feel involved and bringing him along for the ride cant hurt. He is technically on the team after all.
this.
if you been following team off the ice you would know that hatcher has already been in this psuedo player-coach role. hes been given an opportunity to do little things around the team all the while, trying a comeback. hes not mentally ready to hang up his skates, and the flyers were classy in not forcing his hand.
I like it. He's a part of the team and as much as his knees made him a liability 5 on 5, he really was a good part of our PK. Any boost the team will get from having him around and on the ice and any tips he can pass on about aggressive play / PK positioning will be very welcomed. I don't see any downside at all.
Only gjk would have to try to bring something negative about this.
"why start now?"
Just accept the fact that he's going to be around now providing help/support for all of the players in that locker room. Is his presence really going to help any in that room? Probably not. Would it have helped weeks ago? Again..probably not. But he's there, doing what he can, and that's fine by me. I'm sure the guy has been training/rehabbing for the past 6 months and wasn't able to fit Flyer road trips into his schedule. Sorry to upset you.
I don't really care if he's there or not, but why are you bringing him now and not before? It's really kind of irrelevant. He doesn't have to be active to be on the team and go on road trips. I seem to recall Randy Jones and Danny Briere going on the road with the team before they were ready to play. Why wouldn't it have helped a few weeks ago, but it would now?
It's not being negative, it's that it's pointless.
As long as Hatcher is ON THE ICE with the team at practices, then I think this could be very effective. He won't teach them anything by watching and giving his "thoughts".
Thank God he is practicing with the team...People may underrate how valuable he is/was, despite being slow.
