Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Was Avery Playing Hurt During Rangers Training Camp?


Sean Avery might be in the AHL right now with the Connecticut Whale, but there is no telling when he will actually suit up for the team.  According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post the winger is unavailable as he is receiving treatment for a right shoulder problem.  
Avery, who has not skated since playing in his third and final preseason game with the Blueshirts in Gothenberg, Sweden, on Sept. 30, underwent an MRI exam upon his return to New York from Stockholm on Oct. 5 after clearing waivers a day earlier, The Post has learned. 

The MRI exam revealed no structural damage. If the shoulder does not respond to treatment, Avery might require a cortisone injection that would further delay his return to the ice. 
The fact that Avery could have been playing injured during camp is yet another twist in the training camp drama that saw him be cut from the roster last week.  Avery playing through the injury and trying to make the team without complaining about it is admirable, especially since it opened the door to send him down on waivers.  As Brooks points out, had Avery revealed his injury prior he could have filed a grievance against the Rangers because you are not allowed to waive injured players.