Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Flyers defenseman Derian Hatcher will be placed on the injured reserve for the start of the 2008-09 NHL season due to a to a possible career-threatening right knee injury.
Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren announced on Thursday that Hatcher will not participate in the start of training camp Saturday and that the 36-year- old will take some time to contemplate retirement.
"Due to the class and character of Derian, we believe that it is important to continue to let Derian try to make his way back and we will give him as much time as he feels necessary to make a decision, if in fact, a decision is coming in terms of retirement," Holmgren said. "As of right now he still wants to play. Presently, our doctors don't believe he can."
Hatcher, a first-round pick -- eighth overall -- of the Minnesota North Stars in the 1990 draft, played in just 44 games with Philadelphia last season, his third with the club. He compiled two goals and seven points along with 33 penalty minutes.
"It is something that has been talked about all summer long so it comes as no surprise," Hatcher said of starting the season on the sidelines. "But I guess now that it's official, it is a little bit tougher (to take).
The Michigan native spent the first 12 years of his career with the Minnesota/Dallas franchise, and has recorded 80 goals, 251 assists and 1,581 PIM in 1,045 game with the Stars, Red Wings and Flyers.
