Injured Flyers’ defenseman Derian Hatcher has rejoined the team, but not in his normal capacity. The team announced Tuesday that the veteran defenseman, and former team captain, would be joining the Flyers in a player/coach role, and will travel with the team for the duration of the playoffs.

“Paul [Holmgren] just asked me to travel with the team yesterday,” Hatcher said. “Obviously I said yes. They want me to be more of a player role than a coaching role and be around the guys, joke around, help them out when I can or whatever.”

This is not going to be too much out of the ordinary for Hatcher, or the Flyers, as he has been around the team all season, training and trying to stay in shape. He has been on the long-term injury list all season with knee problems.

Even though he’s going to be traveling with the team, there is no chance of a return to playing time.

“Noooo,” Hatcher said. “Does it look like it? Don’t even, no. I have to wear a brace on my knee just to be out there. I’m going to be like an eighth defenseman with no chance of playing.”

The Flyers open up the first round in Pittsburgh against the Penguins on Wednesday. The puck drops at 7:00 PM.