Hackett re-signs, disappoints everybody

[Renomitsu 934]

Riga, Latvia - After being asked in the middle of the Riga-Seattle series what he'd do in Free Agency last week, Hackett was largely non-committal but re-affirmed his loyalty to Riga. Some 96 hours ago, he re-upped on this statement -- and on his contract with the Reign. For him, it was something of a relief, as he was just days from hitting free agency for the first time in his career.

 

"Glad to be back in orange," Hackett said, all smiles at the most recent Riga press conference, "we have incredibly promising young guys, and I get to stick with my promise to reward the team that took a risk on me in the draft. The guys from the most recent drafts deserve a veteran player that can show them how the league works -- and while I can't promise I'll be the best role model in that respect, I can guarantee I'll do everything in my power to give them the best possible experience.

 

Ben[jamin Zeptenbergs, Riga GM], I'm on as long as you'll have me."

 

Others around the league, anticipating Hackett's availability after four consecutive years with the same franchise, weren't quite as excited about the prospect of the defenseman returning. Multiple players on North American and European teams alike lamented his decision to sit out of free agency -- thereby all but zeroing out chances that he'd be able to play with his Season 66 classmates. 

 

In one popular video circulating around Twitter, New York's General Manager could only manage the following:

 

"damm"