Sean Avery on Tuesday reported to the New York Rangers' American League Hockey affiliate, the Connecticut Whale. The agitator was placed on waivers Wednesday as Erik Christensen won the extra forward spot on the team. Coach John Tortorella was honest in saying, "We have better players than Sean Avery."
↵When Avery was cut, there were rumblings that he'd bolt and latch on with a team in Europe, but for the moment at least that doesn't seem the case. He is in the last year of his four-year, $15.5-millon deal and will probably earn more staying in the U.S. this year than he would abroad.. With the move, $1.9 million comes off the cap of the Rangers and Stars, who were splitting his salary.
↵Even though Avery may have been an effective player, ridding his salary gives the Rangers some flexibility for acquiring a defenseman, which may soon become urgent if A. Marc Staal continues to be sidelined and B. the current fringe veteran D-men and young players struggle.
↵The Whale's newest member did not skate Tuesday, and will not do so again Wednesday as he receives treatment on his shoulder. Altogether, he has not skated in 10 days. According to The Record's Andrew Gross, this shoulder injury is not one that occurred one particular play. It's unclear when the fan-favorite Avery will be made available to the media, but that conversation will be an interesting one, for sure.