VAIL, Colo. - Stars coach Ken Hitchcock has learned that the more he plays defenseman Derian Hatcher, the better Hatcher plays.

After being used at forward on the power play during the playoffs last season, Hatcher became a more versatile defenseman. He enters Sunday's exhibition game against Tampa Bay as a more mature player - and captain - on one of the league's best defensive units.

"The more he plays, the more he dominates," Hitchcock said.

Hatcher welcomes the evolution in his game. And so do the Stars.

With Richard Matvichuk recovering from off-season knee surgery and fellow defenseman Darryl Sydor sitting out unsigned, Hatcher's role has become even more important, whether it's assisting young players or filling other roles on the ice.

Hatcher's biggest goal this season will be increasing the variety in his game. Last season, in addition to facing other teams' top lines with Matvichuk, Hatcher notched a career-high 25 assists while tying his career high for points (31). And in the first four scrimmages of training camp, he scored two goals.

"It's tough to do every night, but it's something I want to do on a more consistent basis," he said. "I don’t think I'm ever going to be a truly offensive defensemen, but I would love to get up on the play more."

The Stars also see a maturation in Hatcher's leadership. He was only 23 when he became team captain three years ago. Teammates say he really developed as a leader when he began filling more roles on the ice, and then took control in the locker room when key players suffered injuries in the playoffs last season.

"He's evolved into a real good leader," center Joe Nieuwendyk said. "He's just able to be himself because we have such a good supporting cast. Playing the way he is, I think the team really feeds off it. He leads that way."

The locker room tone may change with the addition of Brett Hull, a former captain with the St. Louis Blues. Hull, who has never shied from speaking his opinions, is accustomed to being the leader.

"He can be outspoken as long as he plays our game," Hatcher said. "I don't care what he says to the media. It's what he does on the ice. If he's not buying into our system, then yeah, there's going to be some problems. But he knows that."

Hull says he enjoys playing in more of a support role. Hatcher, meanwhile, plans to lead the way he always has.

"He's quiet, and he lets things evolve," Hitchcock said. "We have a group that's very boisterous in the dressing room, and Hatch allows that stuff to take place, providing that everybody follows team-first ideals. If they don't, he becomes very dominating. And I think that' s what you like in a captain."

© 1998 The Dallas Morning News All Rights Reserved

Bill Nichols / Staff Writer of The Dallas Morning News, Stars' Hatcher works at diversifying game. The Dallas Morning News, 09-20-1998, pp. 6B.