Sean Avery in the AHL, should not expect call from New York Rangers -NHL News Update
It might have been a surprise for most of the National Hockey League (NHL) and its fans when the New York Rangers sent their veteran forward, Sean Avery, who is one of the most controversial players in the major league, to the minors in the American Hockey
League (AHL) to their affiliate club, the Connecticut Whale, before the 2011-2012 regular season kicked off.
Now Avery played for the first time in the minor leagues since he cleared waivers on October 4 and was assigned downwards, but expressed his discontent with the teams’ decision recently, which obviously came into the knowledge of New York Rangers head coach,
John Tortorella.
Seeing the situation, Avery does not think at all that the major league club will call him back during the season.
"Probably not", Avery told ESPNNewYork.com in an interview. "I doubt it".
It was clear that Tortorella was not at all interested in what Avery had to say, the first time he spoke about the player since letting the media know that he had sent him down due to having better players on the line-up and that it was nothing personal.
"No, I'm so busy worrying about this team. This is the first time I've heard about it", Tortorella said. "We go about our business here, and I know that's a story I'm sure that's going to be talked about a lot, because Sean was here and very well-liked,
but again I'm coaching this hockey club here. Talk to Kenny (Whale coach Ken Gernander). I don't know what's going on down there. So I can't comment on it".
Originally, Tortorella was to decide whether Avery or centre player, Erik Christensen would stay for the position due to the limit of players they could keep on their roster, and because of the number of performers they acquired over the offseason, one of
them would have to go.
The 31-year-old has over nine years of experience in the major league and was set to enter his sixth season with New York, but throughout his career, Avery has not been able to put up as big of numbers compared to his teammates, which ultimately was the
deciding factor.
Now playing at least a season in the minors, Avery will have to impress the NHL scouts in order to land a job in the major league next season, which will obviously be a make-it or break-it situation for the veteran.
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