Winger Sean Avery has made his share of headlines over the years. While not all have been positive some still believe he can help an NHL club. After being waived by the New York Rangers several weeks ago, Avery has been relegated to AHL status and his future as an NHL player remains iffy at best. 

Is there a team willing to take a chance on the 31 year old forward? The chances of this happening appear slim although sources say there have been a few clubs to show various levels of interest.

Sources tell me at least one All-Star player with the San Jose Sharks recently went to bat for Avery’s services. Getting GM Doug Wilson or maybe more importantly Head Coach Todd McLellan to budge appears easier said than done. You really can’t blame a Coach or GM for showing hesitation on Avery but then again you can’t completely ignore your veteran players either.

Anyone who’s watched San Jose play can see their need for a feisty forward to provide a little emotion. This is an area they’re certainly lacking and one player believes Avery can fill this void. I’m not going to sit here and tell you Avery is the answer but I think it’s interesting there are “respected” players lobbying for him.

From what I’m told, the thought is that the veteran core inside the Sharks locker room could handle a hot-rod personality like Avery to where it wouldn’t become an issue or a distraction.

This obviously didn’t happen in New York but it’s a fair question to ask if guys like Dan Boyle, Patrick Marleau, and Joe Thornton would have more success in dealing with him.

Avery currently brings a $2 million cap hit and considering he’s no longer a $2 million player I don’t see why the Rangers want his cap number on the books. 

He would need to be placed on re-entry waivers in which a team could have him at half of his current number.

Not entirely risky at a $1million cap hit.

More to come,
Andy Strickland
Strickland.andy@gmail.com