Dallas Stars Should Bring Back Rich Peverley

Jan 16, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars center Rich Peverley (17) takes the ice to face the Boston Bruins at the American Airlines Center. The Bruins defeated the Stars 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Having just celebrated his 33rd birthday earlier this month, reports have begun to sizzle in regards to the possibly of Rich Peverley once again lacing up the skates on the NHL level after missing the 2014-2015 season in its entirety. While the chances of this happening may be bleak, as reported by the Boston Globe, Peverley has not ruled the possibility out quite yet, this is what was reported:

Rich Peverley is still undecided about his future as a player, according to agent Allain Roy. Peverley became an unrestricted free agent July 1. The ex-Bruin has not played since his episode with atrial fibrillation on March 10, 2014. Peverley was cleared for off-ice workouts last season. He also served as an eye-in-the-sky helper during Dallas home games. Peverley turned 33 earlier this month.

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Before the freak cardiac event that forced him to miss last season, but ultimately led to him undergoing successful surgery, Peverley was quite productive as a member of the 2013-2014 Dallas Stars team. He was able to play several roles as a seasoned-veteran on a team that was infused with youth, and was able to tally 30 points primarily on a line with talented Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn. This veteran leadership and flexibility to wear many hats on the ice to speak, as well as a prior rapport with the two young all-stars is exactly why I think Dallas should strongly consider a bid to bring him back aboard. Add the fact that he displayed strong ties with the team, despite being unable to play, as a volunteer coach of the Dallas Stars AHL affiliate, the Texas Stars, and you can see the relationship is there.

The two things that Stars GM Jim Nill has to tread lightly with are the cap space available and Peverley’s heath going forward. According to Hockeybuzz.com, the Stars currently sit with an access of $2,300,833 worth of cap space. While this would ultimately be enough to sign Peverley to a 1-year, $1 million contract, the Stars looking forward have seven players approaching UFA status after this upcoming season, as well as Patrick Sharp, Jamie Benn and Johnny Oduya come the 2017-2018 season. I definitely think it’s worth the gamble if Peverley elects to sign at a low rate, and he just might do so as the Stars look primed to win sooner rather than later with an abundance of transactions thus far in the summer.

However with this being said, the second major concern is Peverley’s heath. Mike Heika of The Dallas News had this to say about about Peverley’s medical condition and the ramifications it may have going forward,

“Peverley still has to get clearance from doctors and the league before he can return to play, so this could be a moot discussion. His agent said he was pursuing a return, but that it would entail having a defibrillation device removed. All of that might create a situation where Peverley simply announces his retirement and then moves forward. However, if he does seek a return, the Stars might not want to open the door. The memory of Peverley’s collapse on the bench and the frantic actions to save his life are still fresh in the mind of coach Lindy Ruff and the players, and they might simply be too worried about Peverley’s health to have him as a teammate in a real game.”

With all aspects of the Dallas Stars squad looking improved heading into the 2015-2016, it’s ultimately up to Peverley if he wants to pursue a return. While the Stars may be a good fit and the chase for a Cup may be enticing, there is no shame in retiring and possibility going into the front office business of the league.

Next: Dallas Stars 2015 State of the Team

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