The Grate One Returns: Rangers Claim Avery

Photo of Sean Avery celebrating a goal by AP/Bill Kostroun

In a move that will surprise no one, the Rangers claimed Sean Avery on re-entry waivers today. The move means that Avery will be back with the Rangers for the remainder of this season and the next three. It will be interesting to see how Avery and his new coach get along. John Tortorella issued a scathing critique of Avery after his infamous comments saying:

''Enough is enough. He's embarrassed himself, he's embarrassed the [Dallas] organization, he's embarrassed the league and he's embarrassed his teammates, who have to look out for him. Send him home. He doesn't belong in the league.''

In addition, the move further restricts the Rangers in relation to the salary cap and they will have to make some tough choices after this season with some of their younger players who will be restricted free agents.

But, Avery thrived on Broadway before and his addition may be enough to get the Rangers back into the playoffs. At the very least, March 30th became a must-see game because it will be a reunion for Avery and his “good” friend Martin Brodeur.

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By Peter Trinkle in News on March 3, 2009 2:35 PM

Comments [rss]

gnipgnop

wait, i'm confused, are we gettin dallas' sloppy seconds?

Teddie Boy Eddie

Crap, you beat me to it.

jackdonaghy, I don't mind the move. I hear a lot fans talking about him being a locker room cancer, but rarely hear it from players. Hull and Shanny didn't seem to mind having him as a teammate.

While I don't like some of his antics (particularly the nonsense waving of the stick in front of Brodeur), the guy provides an undeniable spark, and the team played better with him in the lineup. I understand Jagr isn't here to score the big goals and bail out the club when they need it. But who knows, maybe some of these other guys who seem so disinterested will wake up.

jackdonaghy

So Sather brings Avery back even though the new coach openly dislikes him and that most of the lockerroom was relieved when he left for Dallas this summer. An awful, but very predictable move by the Blueshirts. What else will they have up their sleeve before the trading deadline? Perhaps an old school Ranger trade of their top draft pick for a washed up winger? Maybe a prospect in exchange for a defenseman who takes dumb penalties?

gtraindelay

His stupid antics overshadowed the win over the Devils - which is a shame because Rangers / Devils series are always great. As soon as he wasn't dealing with Brodeur he wasn't much help at all - hence a 4-1 butt kicking by the Pens in the next round.

rdsizzle

Another sad, sad move by Sather...This guy is pure cancer...Half decent player but not worth the trouble. I guess rangers see him as a good ticket seller. MSG truly becoming a home for losers!

jaycjay

He was anything but "cancer" while he was with the Rangers, and in fact was a good part of why they made the playoffs and why they beat the Devils in the first round.

Welcome back!

whitecastlerock

Yeah guys like Jagr, Shanahan, Straka were riding Avery's coat tails to the playoffs. That Glen Sather sure has his finger on the pulse... Keep that bum Avery in Hartford.