From ill-fitting Dallas Stars pest to NHL anger-management exile to proud member of the AHL Hartford Wolfpack ... and now, it's back to the New York Rangers for Sean Avery. From Bob McKenzie of TSN:
As expected, the New York Rangers claimed Sean Avery on re-entry waivers today and the super pest is back in the NHL.
The Rangers are responsible for half of Avery's remaining contract - another three years with an annual cap hit of $3.875 million. The Dallas Stars are responsible for the other half. It is unknown if Avery, who had two goals and one assist in six games with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL, will be in the lineup Thursday against the Islanders.
Naturally, the curiosity over Avery's integration into the Rangers' locker room and his relationship with new coach John Tortorella is at a fever pitch. Some believe Tortorella's previous statements on TSN about Avery indicate rough sailing ahead. But Can't Stop The Bleeding makes the point that this talk is overblown:
Sean Avery is a guy who talks trash for effect. Anger management or not, it's part of how he makes a living.
And guess what? Being a talking head on TSN is kind of the same job - one that's about as complicated as calling into Rome - have a take and don't suck. Stake out your position to the nth degree. Exaggerate. Blow up. Just don't be dull.
Well, John Tortorella's not an entertainer anymore. What he said on television is no longer relevant. He'll deal with all this as a coach - and really, the fact that he's a hard-ass coach should only be a good thing for Sean Avery.
And it's only a good thing that Sean Avery is back in the NHL. Well, good for everyone but this guy.
