Hatcher on LTIR; Flyers Sign Aubin

Comcast Sportsnet reports that D Derian Hatcher has been officially placed on Long-term Injured Reserve. Hatcher needs more time to rehabilitate his injured right knee.“We've talked a number of times, as recent as this past Wedensday,” general manager Paul Holmgren said.

“We spent a great deal of time with Derian. He wants to play. He knows he is not ready to play right now. Whether he will or won't play will be seen down the road. In the interim, we are going to see if there is something that he can do to help the coaches or find some niche here to help keep him busy.

“It is basically his knee. It is a situation where surgically speaking they really can't do anything. It is a question of strength in his knee. I would say there is a ray of hope. We will see how it goes.”

The doctors have pretty much told Hatcher that it is in his best interest to give it up, but you do have to admire his desire to keep going. He has stated that if he cannot play, he would like to stay with the Flyers as a scout or a coach.

In other news, the Flyers have signed goalie Jean-Sebastian Aubin to replace Antero Niittymaki, which may be out 4-6 weeks after hip surgery. Aubin is 31 years old and a veteran, but he's not very good. He will not in any means come close to challenge Biron for a starting job. Hopefully he found magic similar to Ty Conklin last year for the Penguins if we need him.

And here is the rest of it.