Back when Sean Avery made rude remarks about Elisha Cuthbert, things weren't looking too bright for the Dallas Stars, as they were languishing in the depths of the Western Conference with a 9-11-4 mark and looking like a good bet to miss the playoffs.
Well, lo and behold, since Avery was suspended indefinitely and sent off to the Behavior Modification program sponsored by the NHL and the players' association, the Stars have gone 15-7-3 and risen all the way to sixth in the tightly-packed Western race.
But now, Avery's almost done with the program, and ready to return to the ice, leaving the Stars with a choice on their hands.
Because he's still under contract to the Stars, the team now has to make a decision on what to do with him.
The most likely scenario is that he'll be sent down to the AHL, but Dallas is in an unusual situation with their affiliate dormant this year pending the completion of a rink outside Austin. So now, the Stars have to ask around for a team willing to take on the disruptive Avery - who certainly doesn't endear himself to his teammates.
If they find a taker, he'd have to also clear waivers -- meaning the Stars could be on the hook for half his $12 million contract over the next three years if another team claims him -- but that's pretty unlikely unless a team is desperate to shake up team chemistry with the combustible agitator who has never spent three full seasons with one NHL club.
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He could come back to the NHL on re-entry waivers, but then again, a team would have to answer a lot of questions once he arrived back on the big stage.
Avery Set to Begin Skating originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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