Rich Peverley shared some sad (though maybe not surprising) news on Saturday: his NHL playing career is over.
On the bright side, it sounds as though he’s immediately transitioning to a front office job, as he told the Dallas Morning News’ Mike Heika that he’ll work in the player development department.
“It was working out, monitoring how I was doing, continuing to see doctors to exhaust every avenue and find out exactly if I could play,” Peverley said to the DMN. “It’s a case that’s very complicated, and what I have learned is there is no 100 percent to medicine and, unfortunately, I can’t play anymore.”
Peverley fought his way from going undrafted to playing 442 regular season games and 59 postseason contests in his career. He’s likely best remembered for his time with Boston, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2011.
It’s never a happy moment to see a player hang up his skates at what he believes is a premature age (Peverley is 33).
On the other hand, there are probably a few onlookers who are breathing a sigh of relief.
Peverley’s “cardiac incident” was a truly frightening scene, and many were worried about the risks he might be taking if he resumed NHL play. Some of the choice might have been taken out of his hands, as it’s plausible that no GM wanted to roll the dice with his health.
Heika shares more details regarding Peverley’s decision and his role with the Stars organization here.
Tyler Seguin already spoke out about his former teammate:
Rich Peverley was the ultimate teammate and the best guy to sit beside during my first 4 years. Heck of a career & all the best in new role!
— Tyler Seguin (@tseguinofficial) September 4, 2015