Peverley retires, joins Stars in player development

Forward Rich Peverley announced his retirement Friday and joined the Dallas Stars' front office as player development coordinator.

"We want to congratulate Rich and his family on his great playing career and look forward to the contributions he'll make in his new role," Stars general manager Jim Nill said.

Peverley had spent the past year attempting to make a comeback after he collapsed on the bench during a game between the Stars and Columbus Blue Jackets on March 10, 2014. He was diagnosed with and had surgery for an irregular heartbeat during the 2013-14 preseason and had a second procedure nine days after he collapsed. The procedure, a cardiac ablation, fixed structural damage in his heart to correct problems with rhythm (arrhythmia).

"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 told the Dallas Morning News. "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, 33, spent last season working as a volunteer assistant coach for the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League and an eye-in-the-sky helper during Dallas home games. In his new role, he will travel around helping Stars amateur prospects in college and junior leagues.

"I think, not being drafted, I can help kids who are trying to move their way up," he said. "Hopefully I've been through something that every player can relate to."

Peverley played 442 regular-season games in eight seasons with the Nashville Predators, Atlanta Thrashers, Boston Bruins and Stars. He had career highs of 22 goals and 55 points during the 2009-10 season and finished with 84 goals and 241 points. He was a member of the Bruins' Stanley Cup-winning team in 2011 and had nine goals and 21 points in 59 playoff games.

Although a return to the NHL wasn't in the cards, Peverley said he's able to live his day-to-day life without any limitations.

"I'm able to work out on an almost daily basis, I'm able to play shinny hockey with my friends, I play in a soccer league now," he said. "I'm enjoying life and I have no worries about my health."

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