Derian Hatcher didn't quite get the $5 million package over two years that he was seeking. But with a slight increase in ice time, the Stars defenseman's new agreement will lift him to that level.

Hatcher reached agreement Thursday afternoon on a two-year contract that will pay him base salaries of $4.9 million ($2.3 million this season and $2.6 million next year). He can receive an additional $50, 000 in either year if he ranks among the top 15 defensemen in minutes played, another $50,000 if he ranks in the top eight.

Last year, Hatcher ranked 16th.

"They moved, and we moved, and I think the bonuses are attainable, " Hatcher said. "I'm glad to get it done because we've been so close for so long. We were at the same spot before the season started that we were yesterday."

Assistant general manager Doug Armstrong had three conversations Thursday with Pat Morris, Hatcher’s agent, in order to seal the deal.

"We're glad to have Derian's deal done so now the distractions won't come from off-ice issues," Armstrong said. "Both sides felt very strongly about their positions, and we wanted to do something that was right for Derian and the team.

"The main thrust is that we're glad to get it done today, not a week from today or two weeks from today."

Hatcher plans to practice Friday, but coach Ken Hitchcock said he didn't think Hatcher would play until Tuesday against Calgary.

"The timing is good for us because he's an impact player we need, " Hitchcock said. "The interesting thing is that we have been good defensively without him, so that should ease the transition a bit."

With Shawn Chambers out for the month of October with a broken hand, the Stars have been a little short on defense, but they are allowing only 21.5 shots per game, lowest in the league.

Hatcher made the Western Conference all-star team for the first time last season and received rave reviews for his play with the World Cup-winning United States team. He was second on the club in minutes played, just a few seconds behind Sergei Zubov.

He has been captain of the Stars for more than two years, ever since Neal Broten was traded to New Jersey during the 1995 lockout season. Joe Nieuwendyk has worn the captain's "C" in the first four regular-season games.

But Hitchcock said he plans to reinstate Hatcher as captain soon.

"We had a great season with him as captain, and I see no reason to change," Hitchcock said.

Hatcher questioned what kind of shape he will be in but expects to play well quickly. "I've been out for seven weeks [with an injury] and come back and played 26 minutes right away," he said. "But right now I haven't played in a game for four-and-a-half months.

"I think timing will be the biggest concern, whether it's taking a hit, giving a hit or giving a pass."

Hatcher said he has no way of knowing whether Stars fans will boo him when he returns.

"I sure hope they don't," he said. "When you get booed on the road, it's because you're doing something right. If you get booed at home, it doesn't feel good."

Hatcher's addition will put the Stars' payroll in the range of $30 million this season. That's about $6 million more than last year.

© 1997 The Dallas Morning News All Rights Reserved

Tim Cowlishaw / Staff Writer of The Dallas Morning News, Stars, Hatcher agree on 2-year deal., The Dallas Morning News, 10-10-1997, pp 1B.