The New York Rangers have waived forward Sean Avery for the second time this season. Avery had been a healthy scratch for the past nine games. Avery scored three goals in his 15 games this season and played very well right after his recall, but coach John Tortorella had said that his game leveled off before the scratching began.
There was no reason for the Rangers to continue carrying the $1.9 million cap hit that Avery carries if he was going to continue being a healthy scratch. The move also opens up a roster spot if Wojtek Wolski or Marc Staal are ready to return from their respective injuries.
The demotion will send Avery back to the Whale where he will get to play and see consistent ice time which he was never going to realistically get with the Rangers this season. For those upset that it was Avery and not Erik Christensen being demoted the salary difference and Christensen's shootout potential were likely key factors in the decision.
