THN.com Blog: Sean Avery set for big UFA payday
Sean Avery has 13 goals, 27 points and 130 penalty minutes in 44 games this season. (Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)
Mike Brophy
2008-03-10 11:20:54
The most sought-after unrestricted free agent next summer could be a third-liner.
That’s right, if the New York Rangers don’t lock up super-pest Sean Avery with an extension, you can bet your bottom dollar the NHL’s other 29 teams will get into a bidding war for his services.
Here’s why:
Avery is clearly an effective player whose team has much better results with him in the lineup than it has when he’s out. Also, with the way the game is going these days, with an emphasis on physical players, the 27-year-old left winger is the perfect combination of skill and a willingness to engage.
But mostly, you won’t have to break the bank to get him. That said, you can bet somebody will overpay. Is he a $3 million-a-year player? The Rangers probably don’t think so. But when other teams come courting, they might just change their tune, especially if somebody offers him $3 million a year for five years.
Avery has come a long way since his carefree, self-destructive days with the Los Angeles Kings, who traded him to the Rangers last season. Kings GM Dean Lombardi tried desperately to get the wild child to conform, and when he didn’t, Lombardi moved him. My guess is there were many who felt Broadway was Avery’s last stop on his way out of the NHL.
But a funny thing happene
In fact, if I’m Sean Avery, I don’t even bother re-signing with the Rangers. I let the other teams line up to make me an offer. Then, if he chooses to remain in New York, the stakes will have been raised.
Who knows, maybe even his hometown team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, will come calling.
There will be better UFAs than Sean Avery available in July, but there aren’t likely to be many that will attract the attention of so many teams.
Mike Brophy, the co-author of the book Walking with Legends, is a senior writer for The Hockey News and a regular contributor on THN.com. His blog appears Mondays and his column, Double OT, appears Wednesday.
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TJ Warcholak (Posted 2008-04-05 08:22:00)
hey Bobby Goodman.... I HATE WWF.... I LOVE HOCKEY AND THE NEW YORK RANGERS, so i dont know how u think i like WWF is it because i like Avery or somethin and i like watching the fights?
alan thicke (Posted 2008-03-13 16:50:56)
my guess is sean is headed back to detroit, where he began his NHL career. the fans really took a shine to him. they need a quick energy yapper on that squad, somebody to take over where mccarty and burr left off.
Fred Bartsch (Posted 2008-03-13 16:33:39)
Bobby Goodman everything you say about the N.Y. Rangers is just about spot on, and I can say this because I have been a Rangers fan for (51) years. I thought the Rangers were trying to turn the corner on these LARGE contracts when they GUTTED the team just before the lockout, and promised to go with their drafted youngsters. I didn't buy in to it in the past and I don't buy it now. Yes you have to send a competitive team on the ice, but NOT for the LARGE contracts and times handed out, GIVE ME A BREAK! To prove your point about Sather, he got rid of every player EXCEPT MESSIER! That should have told everyone where and what the Rangers were going to do.
and YES, I will take the Cold Beer!
Bobby Goodman (Posted 2008-03-13 10:51:00)
ED...I don't love him and I don't respect him. I will admit that he puts out on every shift. I know you guys who like Avery also like the stats when he is in the lineup...I would ask that you also check out the stats when Orr is out of the lineup too. The team was getting beat up so bad that the players themselves went to the coach and demanded to have Orr be inserted in the lineup every game! Perhaps I am letting my disdain for guys like Neil Smith and now Glen Sather (still riding his Edmonton triumphs) trump and jaundice my judgement, but I don't think so. Guys like Jagr, blessed with so much talent and choosing when he wants to play drives me crazy. Washington rewarded him with a fat contract and he never put out. I used to love Shanny, but he is a mouthpiece and is only good from the blueline in. Hollweg is a coward and a chooch. But, Rosival is a dandy and so is Mara. NYR repeated a Neil Smith thing by rewarding Gomez and Drury with bloated contracts thoug and they are not worth it. NYR are a member of the original six and would love to see them do well but I am not sure that will happen with Sather at the helm. He and Mucklar enjoyed success when they were awarded the first round draft choices for 4-5 years at the opportune time to draft people like: Gretzky, Anderson, Messier, Coffey, Lowe, Kurri and company. They have done squat since then except ride their reputation.
ED1NY (Posted 2008-03-13 02:19:33)
Bobby Good - you hate Av-man so much so I start thinking you just love him. Man, do you remember Stern's movie where he said "People who hate him listen to him MORE then people who loved him, bc they want to know what he is going to say next"
I think you like him and would love to see him in Ottawa before he end up in Montreal ... with their PP he will be a perfect tool for them.
Speaking about Avery and hockey - please remember Hockey is also heart and balls and fists and character - this guy has all of that. You don't have to score 50 goals to be a good fit ... to me to be a good fit is to make people around better, to spark them and his stats shows just that! isn't it? Ovechkin has 56 with 12 games remaining - he is magical! but Washington is out of PlayOffs. Noone in Rangers is close to that number but they are close to the top and very well might end-up at the very top .They wouldn't be able to do it without Avery! Isn't it make him MVP - with V for VALUEBLE - that is who he is
Bobby Goodman (Posted 2008-03-12 17:13:07)
Fred, my man, next time you are in Ottawa...a large, tall and very cold beer is on me! Waddyasay?
Fred Bartsch (Posted 2008-03-12 15:58:51)
Bob- Might I also say that for both you and I to have different ideas, but yet agree to disagree just shows that we come from (2) GREAT COUNTRIES!
Fred Bartsch (Posted 2008-03-12 15:41:19)
Bobby Goodman- NO Apologize necessary, because I also at times put my foot in my mouth. I also apologize for my "STUPIDITY" statement as that was NOT necessary on my behalf. Let's just say we have a right to disagree!
Bobby Goodman (Posted 2008-03-12 13:09:19)
I appologize Fred. You are absolutely right. Obvioulsy we have people up here too who love the guys with the big mouths. I am very much a US supporter. We have more in common than any other country on the planet and we share the same values, culture with the longes unsecured boarder in the world!. I am not a Make Believe fan nor am I a Hab fan...I am a Sens fan and a fan of good hockey (lately my loyalty has been challenged). I celebrate the skilled guys and the lunch pailers alike...especiall the guys with big hearts. I believe that effort should never take a holiday. But...I really hate the mouthy trash talkers. I have heard Avery interviewed and he has no respect for anything or anybody. People love his brash mouth and subsequently his behaviour is validated. He isn't respected by people in the league nor does he respect them. When I am really bored I will listen Jim Rome rant (with pregnant pauses of empty air as long a full trimester). He and many who call in to his show, worship the athletes with lots to say...and that was the genesis of my comment. Again Fred, it was wrong. Americans rock and thank God for them everyday.
Fred Bartsch (Posted 2008-03-12 11:29:22)
Goodman- With your statement of he (Avery) needs to be in the U.S. where "Yappy Muthers are Celebrated", sure does sound like YOU are the "RARE CANADIAN" who brings this attitude of if it's wrong it belongs in the U.S. Talk about "STUPIDITY"! How about telling me which team YOU are backing, Toronto with "TUCKER" or Montreal with their we know better attitude, BUT haven't dominated the league in the past (30) years and are pissed about that fact. I just hope that "YOUR" opinion NORTH of the border is in the miniority, because it sure does sound like "SOUR GRAPES".
Isaac (Posted 2008-03-12 11:05:49)
Man, look at how worked up you're getting over Avery, this is why he makes his money, because he gets people so worked up.
Kurt (Posted 2008-03-12 09:59:36)
I'd much rather have Dan Cleary at $14 million for 5 years than have Sean Avery at over $3 million a season! Cleary plays a better all around game, doesn't back down (witness the fight with Pronger before Cleary got hurt), and doesn't have those crazy moments or do the stupid sniping to the press that irritates teammates and management and negatively affects his team.
Bobby Goodman (Posted 2008-03-11 21:14:42)
He certainly has brought out the best in his players: Gomez - 15 goals, Jagr - 18 goals, Straka - 12 goals, Drury - 22 goals. Yep he is an inspiration...and if you don't believe me just ask all his previous team mates on the 8 different professional teams he played for...that never won squat! He is a 5', 10 ' mouth piece. Dave, you like the Rangers chances? They wont make it out of the first round! They are "led" by a lazy, aging and very spoiled Jagr who needed a heart transplant 8 years ago. They have Shanahan and Straka who are but a shadow of their former selves with a very suspect defence core. I used to be a Ranger fan too, when they entertained and won games. Did they make the playoffs last year?
Dave Joscher (Posted 2008-03-11 18:31:48)
Are you Kidding Me ??? Who wouldnt want Avery on their team...This is what the Rangers Needed Since Fleury....A Spark that brings out the best in all players...Most teams have at least one....Doesnt mean you will all the time....But the way hockey goes....its anyone's Cup!! I like the Rangers chances this year than last year that's for sure... Go Rangers!!
Bobby Goodman (Posted 2008-03-11 16:12:50)
No I don't watch New York Rangers. I would rather watch a hockey team. The team is and has been a bore even when they spent more money than anyone else in the league. The team has had General Managers who must have had pictures of owners in compromising positions; how else could you explain the team keeping imbeciles like Neil Smith and Glen Sather for so long? But, you do have Gomez getting $10m for his 15 goals; Jagr making $7m for his 18 and Drury making $7.1m for his 22! You have a lot to cheer about! Based on the math, your man Avery, should be making $6m or more! Nobody is close to 30 goals on this poor excuse for a hockey club. So to answer you, no I don't watch NYR because they do not entertain and after all, this is the entertainment business. The team last won a cup in '94 with Messier, Leetch, Zubov, Graves, Larmer, Kovalev, Nedved, Verbeek, Craig Mctavish, Glen Anderson and Richter in nets. They have hd the largest payroll by far (until the cap came) yet couldn't win anther cup!? The last time they won the cup before that was 1928! So no, I don't watch the New York Rangers because they are boring, old and slow....but hey they can yap baby! And that is obviously what entertains you!
Baxter Allen (Posted 2008-03-11 14:18:52)
Yeah, Mr. Goodman, 8 goals in the last 29 games a year ago and 13 goals in 45 this year are really the stats of someone averaging 8 goals a year. If you could actually add, he's averaged 11.3 goals a year IF you include his first true year in the league (yes, he was still a rookie in 2002-3). Without that 6 goal, 73 game appearance, he's averaging 12.2. If you look at his last two years, when he supposedly made his turnaround, he's averaging 15.5, without whatever production he has in the remaining games this year.
The real testament, however, is the difference in record for the Rangers with him in the lineup than without... over the last two years, they are 45-17-12 with him in the line-up vs 34-37-7 when he's not in the lineup (or on the team, as for the first 53 games last year...). I mean, that's roughly an even split in terms of total games, but with a CLEAR record advantage with him on the ice. Yeah, he's really disruptive...
Do you even watch Rangers games? Did you see any of them when he wasn't playing? There's such a huge difference with him on the ice, they just play with so much more energy. He definitely deserves a contract between 2.5 and 3 mil a year for 4-5 years. He's the sort of player that makes the difference between conference basement and Stanley Cup contender.
Trent McCrory (Posted 2008-03-11 13:48:06)
As a Detroit fan id love to see him sporting the winged wheel. They are the team that first brought him into the league, and could use his toughness, energy and Canadian blood. Kenny Holland knew what he was doing when he drafted him. They have the cap space, and if they get knocked around in the playoffs by the Ducks again, you know they will be looking for more toughness. Players take less to play for the Wings, becuase you always know the cup is right in your reach.
Bobby Goodman (Posted 2008-03-11 13:37:01)
Mr. Hockey and TJ obviously are big gans of the WWF more than they are fans of our great game. If less than 8 goals a year is the new bench mark for greatness, I guess I am a complete retarded idiot who knows nothing about hockey. You two are probably big fans of Tyrell Owens too. Guys like Avery were run off the teams I have played with, much in the same way he was run out of LA. He has played for 8 professional hockey teams and 2 in Junior. For a guy who is supposed to be so inspiring, he has made a lot of stops along the way. If you two guys were ever General Managers you would be eaten for breakfast, if you would reward an embarassment like Avery 3 meg/year! Last night NYR needed OT to squeek past Buffalo, a team that has been decimated by injuries and free agency. Yes sir, Avery and his 7.7 goals a year was the difference maker. You two go ahead and continue your obsession with foul mouthed mediocrity, I will celebrate the hockey players with skill and class who let their play do all the talking.
LongTimeFan00 (Posted 2008-03-11 10:21:04)
He'd look great in Orange & Black (provided it does not cost too much Green)
mr hockey (Posted 2008-03-11 08:21:27)
To those bashing Avery...That's exactly why you want the guy on your team. Other teams focus on the guy. He gets under their skin before the game is even played. He produces and can change the compsure of any team and if needed, any game. I don't think he's worth a penny over $3mil. I do like the guy, b/c he plays for my team. Anyone else...he's a doosh.
whatsthatsmell (Posted 2008-03-11 07:59:36)
The Leafs will probably be the exact place Avery ends up. We are already over-paying our own idiot super pest Tucker at $3M a year, and we can't get rid of him. Tuckers contract is the very same one the Avery camp will use going forward, and if any team in the NHL needs another underachieving loser forward it is the Leafs.
bill (Posted 2008-03-10 20:06:04)
nashville good be a player. they will be spending $$ this offseason. desperate need of wingers. they might give 3 mil. nashvegas has lot of hoy country gals too. ask tootoo.
Dov Ivry (Posted 2008-03-10 18:07:40)
Last year when Avery showed up the Rangers were dead in the water. Just like adding a catalyst in a chemical formula, all of a sudden they started to sizzle.
This year same thing. Avery was injured and the Rangers were treading water. He comes back and they are hot.
With Jagr who carried the team on his back two years ago now tailing off dramatically in his scoring ability, Avery is no question the MVP on this team along with Lundqvist.
And he's no longer third line, he's first line and with Dubinsky and Jagr, are leading the charge offensively.
He's not yet Ted Lindsay, and probably never will be, but Avery is good. If the Rangers go deep in the playoffs, he'll be back. If not, who knows what Sather will do?
walterburrows (Posted 2008-03-10 18:03:38)
Avery is the best!Heart and soul!Too bad Jagr can't have an Avery heart injection, then he'd stop pouting about not getting better stats and whining about playing with Dublinsky or whoever else he is blaming for his lazy performance. Yashin is waiting is Russia for a right winger!
Kurt (Posted 2008-03-10 17:46:16)
Actually, in 73 games as a Ranger, Avery has a total of 21 goals and 26 assists. So, Rich's stats are pretty accurate (he actually underrated Avery's average goals and assists per 82 games). I don't like Avery. A player can be an agitator and not be a jerk. (Example: Avery throwing a water bottle out of the pnealty box and into the stands at the Garden.) Still, he is improving and the Rangers are better with him.
Aharon Goldwasser (Posted 2008-03-10 17:13:14)
Rich,
where are you coming up with these stats? He has averaged 20 goals and 25 assists since his trade to NY? That is rediculous. He has never in his career scored 20 goals or had 25 assists. In his 2 years in ny he had 8 goals and 12 assists last year and so far this year he has 13 goals and 14 assists. If you are going to make statistical statements please know your facts.
rich (Posted 2008-03-10 16:36:48)
the Rangers turned down a trade sending Avery to the Sharks for Bernier. It wasnt until the Rangers made it clear that it wasnt going to happen that they made the move for Campbell
If the Rangers really werent going to resign him then they would have gotten Bernier at the deadline plus where else can Avery raise his Hollywood status in Columbus, Dallas, or Edmonton. I dont think so Avery will be back in NY if not with the Rangers then he'll be trying to get in Hillary Duff's pants on the Island.
For those of you talking about his stats. Yea he was a 4th liner until a few years ago. Since his trade to NY he's averaged 20 goals and 25 assists over 82 games
Aharon Goldwasser (Posted 2008-03-10 16:02:38)
For those of you who consider Avery a good player, he has 63 career goals over 8 season which comes out to an average of 7.8 goals a year. He has never scored more then 40 points in a season. I am sick and tired of seeing him taunt opposing fans whenever he scores one of his 8 goals a year. he is a punk with limited talent. For someone who talks and yaps as much as he does you better have more than 30 points.
Ken Marshall (Posted 2008-03-10 16:01:23)
The Rangers hold all the cards with this one, and they're fools not to resign Avery for the right price. If he thinks he'd be happier in Columbus, by all means hold out for an additional $400,000. The fans (mostly) love him in New York, and as someone already pointed out, it's a perfect fit: a mouth who plays hard, a spirited player on a bland team, and a much needed energy presence. I'm pretty sure he'll get his raise, what with Jagr's impending retirement and all.
TJ Warcholak (Posted 2008-03-10 15:49:46)
any of you people who hate Sean Avery... it's because he's the guy you love when he's on your team and hate him when he's on another, and anyone that thinks Avery sucks your a complete retarded idiot who knows nothing about hockey. So what if he talks alot and mouths off alot... AWESOME COMBO!!!! good goal scorer (he does not average 8 goals per year) agitator, fighter, skillful player.
Joe Willix (Posted 2008-03-10 15:45:17)
As a Rangers fan, I recognize his importance to the team. Unfortunately someone will overpay him to play somewhere else, but I'm not sure his act will work in 29 other NHL cities. NYC's a big place and he's a tiny part of it, so his act isn't as ridiculous as it would be in a smaller market. I also don't think he'd put up the numbers he's putting up in New York with a lot of other teams that might hire him. NYC/Avery just happens to be the perfect fit for the both of them.
TJ Warcholak (Posted 2008-03-10 15:44:55)
Hi, i'm a Rangers fanatic and I love Avery and watch him enough to KNOW that he will NEVER play with the Leafs while Darcy Tucker is on that team, they basically despise eachother
Eric Zullo (Posted 2008-03-10 15:01:31)
Sean Avery is a great player. Since he's came to the Rangers, they are around 44-17 with him in the lineup. He helps make the Rangers a legit team and I hope they resign him; they would be stupid not too. $3 million is a lot per year but if you think of what your getting: a agitator that can score and work with some of the best players in the NHL, he's worth it. I am a huge Avery fan and the Rangers better get on this deal soon.
Bobby Goodman (Posted 2008-03-10 14:53:36)
Sean Avery represents that very small fraternity of morons who have played professional hockey. He is mouthy and stupid...bad combination. He possesses almost adequate hockey skills and has averaged less than 8 goals a year in the NHL! LESS THAN 8 GOALS A YEAR!!!! He is a coward and an embarrassment to any organization. But it shouldn't come as a surpirse; his junior career was God awful too. He's amouth with skates and needs to be in the US where yappy muthers are celebrated!
Laker (Posted 2008-03-10 14:00:11)
Ya Toronto will sign him to 10 years at 5 million with a no trade clause.
Jay R (Posted 2008-03-10 13:50:15)
Go ahead and sign him Toronto.He'd fit right in on your underachieving,overpaid,tragic franchise.
Shawn (Posted 2008-03-10 13:31:40)
Dont see Avery signing in Toronto after that fiasco earlier in the year, and his comments on the city in general. Still, Avery and Tucker on the same line and watch out! I agree Broph, teams will be knocking down this guys door come summertime.
Ian B (Posted 2008-03-10 13:31:16)
Toronto won't make him an offer as long as Tucker and Blake are in the lineup (remember the pre-game incident between Avery and Tucker/Blake). Toronto is already overpaying the pesky Tucker, so if they trade him/buy him out, they wont overpay a guy like Avery who is essentially another Tucker, and also Blake is still there, and its unlikely they can dump his $4 million under-achieving butt. If Toronto somehow miraculously dumps both Tucker and Blake's salaries in the summer, it is likely they will go after a bigger impact free agent than Avery....however TO does have a history of over-paying players....I guess anything is possible, but highly unlikely.
keonrules (Posted 2008-03-10 12:45:41)
I can see the Leafs making him an offer. Not sure if they would keep both Avery, a local guy who would be loved by Leafs fans, and Darcy but what a pair that would be.
sean avery (Posted 2008-03-10 12:37:20)
this guy rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brass Monkey (Posted 2008-03-10 12:00:09)
Last I looked, he wasn't on the third line. In fact, I would say he's a top liner right now.
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"Nobody cares about Jarome Iginla and guys like that. They're just not exciting enough. They don't bring enough to the game."
- Sean Avery, Dallas Stars.
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