Peverley gave the entire league a scare when he collapsed on the bench during a game against the Blue Jackets last March because of an irregular heartbeat. He underwent a surgical procedure to correct the problem, but it's still not known if heart will stay in rhythm during competition. Peverley has been working his way back and wants to continue his career, but his doctors say his recovery is "going to take time." He's a solid depth player in most fantasy leagues, but we say stay away until we know he's going to be able to play hockey this season.
Peverley's versatility could land him a spot anywhere from third-line center to winger on one of Dallas' top two lines. He's a 20-goal threat on a scoring line and a shutdown checking option on the third, so watch his role in training camp for those in deeper leagues.
Peverley doesn't get a ton of ink, but his wheels and slick puck-work are underrated and valuable components in the Bruins' balanced attack. He racked up 11 goals and 42 points to go along with a plus-20 rating last season in his injury-shortened 57-game campaign. He slots in as a third-liner this coming season, but when injuries hit, the Bruins aren’t hesitant to have him roll with one of the team’s top two lines. Overall, Peverley is a nice player that is under the radar just enough to provide sneaky fantasy value later on in drafts.
Peverley, who recorded 41 points (18 G, 23 A) in a 2010-11 season split between the Thrashers and Bruins, is more than just a simple role player for the Stanley Cup champs. He has nice wheels and is capable of the occasional highlight-reel effort, which takes some of the heat off of the team's more high-profile players.
Though it has taken him a few years in the minors to become an established top-six player in the NHL, it’s safe to say Peverley has reserved his spot in the Thrashers' plans. After surpassing the 20-goal mark in only his third full season in the NHL, and proving he can contribute to the scoring lines with more consistency, he will be counted on lead the Thrashers' on offense this year. Peverley’s 2010 outlook seems promising as he’ll be expected to take on an increased role with Atlanta, following the recent departures of center Todd White and winger Maxim Afinogenov, along with the inconsistency of Bryan Little last season. Peverley’s numbers should continue to increase steadily as he continues to grow along with the young core on a much improved Thrashers squad. As he approaches his peak, the window to hit the 60-point mark and potentially become a 30-goal scorer appears to be open.
Peverley finally got a shot at some significant playing time with Nashville last season. He appeared in 33 contests and notched five goals and five assists playing mostly third scoring line duty. It's not clear whether Peverley will win a full-time roster spot this season, so his fantasy worth has yet to reach any significant value.
The prospect forward will be given a shot at making the Nashville roster during camp this season. He has shown good scoring touch in his minor league career; tallying 30 goals with the Milwaukee Admirals last season and 30 goals with South Carolina of the ECHL in 2004-05. Unless he has a very impressive camp and preseason, Peverley will likely play another full season at Milwaukee of the AHL.
