Liberty calling for Avery

TORONTO,ONT – To quote the song lyrics by rock band, The Automatic, “What`s that coming over the hill, is that a monster?” could easily describe the next few weeks in the NHL. For a couple of months now the NHL has been about, well you know “Hockey”. It’s strange, I know, but apart from the laughable Grabovski and Kostitsyn, feud the NHL has been relatively smooth sailing. That is until now. Something is lurking in the background, and as of Monday, that monster became a step closer to a return to the NHL. Who could cause such a stir I hear you say? Answer: Sean Avery. The controversial winger is chomping at the bit for a return to the ice. After being placed on waivers Feb 7, Avery has initially become

approachable. But with very few teams even willing to speak the wingers name, his choices are limited, cue the New York Rangers. No stranger to Avery, the Rangers are one team that appears to bring out the best of Mr. Media. Ok, minor hiccups along the way (see the Martin Brodeur for details), Avery’s time in New York was ok.   It appears that if a deal can be struck, the big apple will once again be home for Avery. Although things are not as simple as that, the first part of the deal is done for Avery. As expected, Avery cleared waivers on Monday paving the way for the Rangers to begin talks. Avery will be shipped to the AHL and, as lady luck shines on both the Stars and Avery, with no AHL affiliate for the Stars (although they do have a loan system setup with the Manitoba Moose) they will have to find Avery a willing club. The Hartford Wolf Pack, the Rangers AHL affiliate, is the most likely destination. Avery will spend time with the Wolf pack for conditioning, and to give the Rangers time to asses the situation. The Rangers need to see how Avery has adjusted back to playing after his spell in the NHL behavioral clinic. Once this process is done, the Stars and Rangers can broker a deal, the Rangers will sign Avery to an NHL contract via the re-entry waivers, unless another club claims him which is very unlikely. The Rangers will then pay a percentage of his remaining contract, and if all goes well, and the deal will be finalized by the March 4 NHL trade deadline. Then, Avery will once again be in the shadow of Liberty and Madison Square Garden. Although he is not exactly missed by many, one thing is for sure, that the media can’t wait for Sean Avery’s return. One thing is for sure. I don’t think he will be doing too many interviews come March. Contact the author  Kevin.oconnor@prohockeynews.com