The Atlanta Thrashers contract talks with superstar Ilya Kovalchuk continue to dominate coverage of the club but they've also wasted little time re-inking one of their offensive stars. 

On Tuesday the Thrashers announced the re-signing of versatile forward Rich Peverley to a two-year, $2.6 million contract extension, breaking down as an affordable $1.3 million per season against their cap. 

Non-Thrashers fans probably wonder what's so important about this move, until they take a look at Peverley's stats. 

An undrafted player who signed with the Nashville Predators in January 2007, his tenure with the Predators was undistinguished, scoring only 7 goals and 20 points in 73 games spread over parts of the previous two seasons, as he was used on Nashville's checking lines. 

His career however took a sharp turn for the better late last season, when the Thrashers claimed him off waivers in January 2009 from the Predators. 

In 39 games with the Thrashers last season Peverley exploded for 13 goals, 22 assists and 35 points. This season he's currently second in scoring behind Kovalchuk, with four goals and seven points, with three of those goals coming on the PP. 

This move has also led to speculation it could have a positive impact upon the club's talks with Kovalchuk although that remains to be seen. In the meantime the Thrashers deserve credit for retaining a key players for an affordable price. 

Bet the goal-starved Predators management wish they could've had Peverley back now.