Avery waived by NYR

[germany00]

While admitting that Sean Avery had a good training camp, Rangers coach John Tortorella also felt 13 forwards were better.

The Rangers placed Avery on waivers at noon ET on Tuesday.

Avery, who is in the final season of a four-year contract, will remain on waivers for 24 hours, during which time another team can claim him. If he is not claimed, the Rangers can assign Avery to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Connecticut Whale, and his $1,937,500 salary will come off of their salary cap.

Avery's agent, Pat Morris, told ESPN.com that playing in Europe this season is an option if the 31-year-old left wing clears waivers.

"I think we have better players than Sean Avery, plain and simple," Tortorella said. "I can dodge it 10 different ways without trying to run Sean over -- I thought he had a good camp, but I think the makeup of our team and some of the people we've added and some of the youth we've added as far as depth put Sean in this spot. I wish him good luck in everything, but we've gone by that. I think we're a better club. The players that are here are better than Sean Avery. They're more versatile in a lot of different areas."

Tortorella had said Saturday that he wanted only one extra forward on the roster, and that it was a battle between Avery and Erik Christensen.

Christensen won it because Tortorella said he feels he can use Christensen in more situations than Avery, and his ability to score in the shootout can be vital to the Rangers' success.

The Rangers got into the playoffs last season largely because it went 9-3 in the shootout. Christensen scored on five of his eight attempts.

"Sean is a player we have used as a banger and forechecker. We don't use him killing penalties or on the power play," Tortorella said, adding Mike Rupp will assume a lot of those physical responsibilities. "The consequence with Erik, I can use him in a number of different spots. That's the way it worked out."

Tortorella refused describe the conversation he had with Avery on Tuesday.

"I'm trying to do this the right way because I don't want to keep on shoveling dirt over Sean Avery, but we have better players than Sean Avery right now on the hockey club," he said.

The Rangers claimed Avery from Dallas on re-entry waivers March 3, 2009. He had been signed by the Stars to a four-year, $15.5 million contract on July 2, 2008, but was suspended and ordered to enroll in anger management classes by the NHL after lewd public remarks about an ex-girlfriend.

He had 24 points in 76 games last season and had 42 goals and 78 assists in 249 games over two stints as a Ranger, including 86 games prior to going to Dallas and 163 after coming back.

"Sean had a good camp, but we had to make a decision," Tortorella said. "I just think our team has grown. I give Sean a lot of credit. When he was brought in here, I wasn't here, but I know he was a catalyst in helping that team get to the playoffs, but I think our team has grown and you have to keep moving, not staying still."

 

[NV]

Heard this earlier today and it came as a shock to me. Not a big deal though, not like he was going to contribute much to the team anyway.

 

[germany00]

I agree, but first thing that pops into my head when i hear newyork rangers is Gabo and him. Kind of weird that he wont be plaing for them. but its for the best.

 

[dh1333]

Doubt any team picks him up. He's destroyed every teams locker room he's been on.

 

[germany00]

Doubt any team picks him up. He's destroyed every teams locker room he's been on.

ya i agree, he is talented, but NHL may not be the place for him anymore

 

[NV]

Eh wouldn't really say he's that talented, he's basically just there to piss off the other team

 

[germany00]

ya i guess, but somewhere in Europe or something he could be decent. I'm interested to see what he does now

 

[dh1333]

ya i agree, he is talented, but NHL may not be the place for him anymore

Honestly he's not even that good. He's scored 15 goals once and only got 3 last year. If it wasn't for all the bullshit stuff he does he would just be known as another 4th/3rd line guy.

 

[germany00]

Honestly he's not even that good. He's scored 15 goals once and only got 3 last year. If it wasn't for all the bullshit stuff he does he would just be known as another 4th/3rd line guy.

Like i said, in Europe he could be okay... Not amazing, but decent

 

[NV]

I guess...but who cares lol

 

[germany00]

Ya lol, if he isnt in north america, he aint worth caring lol

 

[LeafsFan4Life]

Ya lol, if he isnt in north america, he aint worth caring lol

There is good hockey outside of North America...