The Washington Capitals drafted Kevin Hatcher with their 17th pick in the 1984 NHL entry draft. At six-foot-three and 230 pounds, Hatcher was a polarizing defenseman that could play a two-way game on both sides of the ice.
Hatcher was a member of the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) North Bay Centennials where he remained the ensuing season after his draft selection in 1984-85. That season saw Hatcher score 26 goals and add 37 assists (63 points) in 58 games, 16 goals more than the previous season even though he played in 11 more games.