Rangers to Waive Sean Avery

Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports that the New York Rangers have waived fan-favorite winger Sean Avery. Avery was in competition with Erik Christensen for the 13th and final forward spot on the Rangers’ roster, and head coach John Tortorella – never an Avery fan – has made his decision.

ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun confirmed the move with Avery’s agent Pat Morris, who said that Avery will be placed on waivers and if he clears, will explore all of his options.

Avery was in his second stint with the Rangers. In 2007, New York acquired him at the trade deadline from the Los Angeles Kings, and he instantly became a fan-favorite with his brash style. Ahead of the 2008 season, he signed with the Dallas Stars but enjoyed a short tenure there, as the team let him go on the heels of his now-famous remarks about NHL players sleeping with his former girlfriends. He returned to the Rangers for a second stint, which now appears to be over.

We’ll have more analysis and breakdown of this move and the upcoming 2011 Rangers season.