According to Sportsnet.ca the worst kept secret in the history of mankind has become a “reality.” Sean Avery is headed to Hartford where he will join the team today. So, the “reality” show begins… How it ends is anyone’s guess.
Here are the statements from the two key players in this tale.
"I would like to thank Glen Sather and the Rangers organization for giving me the chance to resume my hockey career by affording me this opportunity with the Hartford Wolf Pack. I am looking forward to getting back on the ice, working my way back to the NHL and playing the game I love. While I appreciate the many interview requests, at this point in time, I would like to focus on hockey and will not be making any further statements while with the Wolf Pack." – Sean Avery
"Sean and the Dallas Stars approached me looking for an American Hockey League team for him to resume playing, and I am happy to provide him with the opportunity to continue his career. Sean was a good player for the Rangers during his time here and has worked extremely hard off the ice over the last two months. He remains under contract to and property of the Stars, therefore, any further comment would be inappropriate." – Glen Sather
The next question becomes where does he play. There are really two schools of thought. Do you want to have Avery try and work on his “scoring” touch? If that’s the case then you put him on the wind with P.A. Parenteau and Artem Anisimov and move Brodie Dupont to run alongside Patrick Rissmiller and Greg Moore. That would probably be a mistake given how effective that line has been.
Then you could try him with Mike Ouellette and Tommy Pyatt. This would make the most amount of sense because in theory, Avery is a more advanced version of Jordan Owens.
The third option would be to put him on the left with Patrick Rissmiller on the right and Greg Moore down the middle.
Option four would be Rissmiller centering Avery with either Owens or Dale Weise on the opposing wing.
The last choice would be pairing Avery with Moore and then selecting from either Owens, Weise, Matthew Ford, Brandon Sugden or flipping Devin DiDiomete on to the right.
It’s going to be a tough call for Head Coach Ken Gernander to wrestle with. The most logical choice would be to put him with Ouellette and Pyatt. Then you get the added benefit of having the checking aspect as well as the scoring and the speed that the two have.
More news as it becomes available.
(Sean Avery photo courtesy of LoHud.com)
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Show CommentsI’d go with Avery on Rissmiller’s left side and Weise on the right. Knocking Dupont off a top line that’s performing well in favor of a guy who’s not even a member of the organization (at this time) would be a bad message to send, IMHO. Then you can put Owens back with Pyatt and Ouellette, a combo we know already works.
Make sure you guys show him West Hartford, the scene there — as we don’t want Mr. Trouble hanging downtown and getting himself into further trouble. 😉
He had 10p in 23g this year… NHL games. Avery will be recalled fast.
I find it funny how people on this site are bashing Avery for making a comment about girlfriends, but note there is nothing about his game and skill. Hockey players are rolling over in their grave right now about a player with his skill and talent being banished because of verbal comments. You also would praise the likes of Dale Purinton who did nothing for our team other than blow games with stupid penalties and get his dumb ass suspended every year. Grow up and accept the man for his skill and talent and let the media make stories out of what they want. He was a success with the Kings and Rangers and he will be with Hartford too.
Mitch,
You have to put your personal feelings aside for Avery.
This is a good thing that he is in Hartford. He is going to get the “Pack” back on track. Not to mention that seats are selling for the upcoming games.
Also, the media attention he is bringing to Hartford will get some of the other players a good look – Parenteau, Owens, Dupont, all guys that should be getting a good look from the big league.
Let him say what he wants, as long as he scores who cares!