Rangers drop gay supporter Sean Avery, assign him to minor

  outsports.com 
by Jim Buzinski.

The NHL career of Sean Avery is in limbo after he was cut by the New York Rangers andassigned to the Connecticut Whale of the American Hockey League. His agent said Avery was considering playing in Europe if he did not join the Whale.
We’ve been big fans of Avery for all the stands he has taken in support of gay rights. On the ice, many consider him nothing but a thug, but he has been spot on when it comes to speaking out against homophobia.
Avery, 31, was cut by the Rangers, who said they simply had better players. It remains to be seen whether he will be claimed at any point this season by an NHL team. If not, he can always go into fashion, one of his loves.


New York Rangers left wing Sean Avery during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL Stanley Cup hockey playoff series, against the Washington Capitals, Saturday, April 23, 2011, in Washington. The Capitals won 3-1.(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Nick Wass - ASSOCIATED PRESSMore photos »
1 day ago: New York Rangers left wing Sean Avery during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL Stanley Cup hockey playoff series, against the Washington Capitals, Saturday, April 23, 2011, in Washington. The Capitals won 3-1.(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
by Joe Fortunato 
        blue shirt banter:
While I understand the confusion, I truly don't understand the anger.
Yes, Christensen is one of the most frustrating players in the NHL. He has all the talent to be a 30-goal scorer, but tends to disappear in games and is often perceived to have a lazy style of play.
And while him making the team over Avery is a surprise, there are a few things to consider.
Join me after the jump for those reasons. 
Star-divide
This is not the Sean Avery of 2007. This is not the NHL's bad boy, who draws penalties, scores 12-15 goals and  throws other teams off their game. That Sean Avery hasn't suited up for the Rangers in a long time. Sure, Avery played that way one or two times last year, but he has clearly lost a step, and it effected his game.
Avery was taking penalties more than he was drawing them, and name one game he threw an opposing team other than the Philadelphia Flyers off their game?
Christensen, while extremely inconsistent, is a better offensive option then Avery is.  Christensen is also $1 million cheaper than Avery, which was probably a major factor as well.
Also make sure to remember, Christensen did not win a starting role on this team. I will repeat that: Erik Christensen did not win a starting role on this team. He won the 13th forward spot, which is probably why salary was an important part in the decision. There's no need to pay Avery $1.9 million to sit in the press box most nights.
The starting position is Mats Zuccarello's, and Christensen will be playing on nights when other players need a rest or if an injury occurs. Do you really think that's a good role for Sean Avery? 
I appreciate everything Avery did for this team in the past. He was one of the main factors that put the Rangers back on the map after the lockout. I still remember getting a text message my freshman year of college that we traded for him, and he's been a fan favorite ever since. 
His memories will not be forgotten, but his time had come. 
I just want to thank Aver for all he's done, and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ With a donation of $20.00(for UK and Canada $30.) Will send you FREE of charge and FREE freight the AF*Logo T Shirt shown on top of page. This will help us GREATLY to stay doing what we are doing to bring you these current posting

Comments