The producers of HBO’s 24/7 have to be ecstatic about the latest bit of news coming out of New York: Sean Avery has been re-called by the New York Rangers.
That’s right, the NHL’s biggest pest got the call from the big club that they want him back. After the other 29 clubs passed on signing Avery when he was put on waivers by the Rangers prior to the start of the season, he was sent down to play for the Connecticut Whale, the Rangers’ AHL affiliate.
Coach John Tortorella said Avery was in a battle with center Erik Christensen for the 13th forward spot, and after the team waived Avery Oct. 4 while in Europe, it left little doubt about how he regarded the notorious agitator.
“I don’t want to jam up Sean here; I think we have better players than Sean Avery, plain and simple,” Tortorella told reporters during the team’s preseason tour in Sweden.
It’s no secret that the Tortorella and Avery have never gotten along, but money also seemed to play a role in the Rangers’ decision to send Avery down, with Christensen’s $925,000 contract being slightly more palatable to the front office than Avery’s $1.9 million deal.
However, currently sitting at a somewhat disappointing 3-3-3, the Rangers and Tortorella must be crazy, desperate or both to be bringing Avery back.
Prior to rejoining the team, Avery must clear re-entry waivers. For a 24-hour period that starts at noon ET the day of the announcement, any team in the League can claim Avery and then will be responsible for half the value of his current contract.
photo credit: Anna Enriquez
