With news of Sean Avery’s arrest this morning it is natural to
wonder what it means for his career both in the NHL and with the New York
Rangers. Given Avery’s history, one
would expect the NHL to at least review if not take action against Avery for
his conduct. The NHL has not been as
forceful as the NFL in punishing for conduct outside of the games themselves,
but few have the history does with the league that Avery does. Beyond the NHL, there have to be questions as
to whether this will cause the Rangers to decide that the headaches that can
come with Sean Avery are not worth the $1.9375 they have to carry against the
cap this season to keep him.
At this stage of his career, while still have both skill as
a player and an agitator, the inconsistency of Avery and lack of trust the
coaching staff has in him might make this the final straw for his time with the
Rangers. With the team having to eliminate
at least one forward from the current roster in order to get under the cap this
fall, this move by Avery might make that decision easier, while also creating
an opportunity for a young player to make the team.
