In recent days, reports have surfaced that the Rangers are thinking about reacquiring forward Sean Avery from the Dallas Stars. Avery was not re-signed by the Rangers this past off-season and ended up signing in Dallas for a good wad of money. Only a few months into his new job, he made an inappropriate sexual remark about his past girlfriends and never saw the ice again with the Stars. The team waived Avery on Friday after he completed the league's behavioral modification program.
So the question becomes: Would the Rangers really benefit from bringing Avery back? In his year and a half on Broadway, Avery won over the good majority of the fans. He had a knack for bringing a physical, though sometimes overboard, presence each game and found a way to score big goals in the process. Who could forget how much he frustrated Marty Brodeur in last year's playoffs to the point where the veteran goalie refused to shake Avery's hand after the Rangers took the series in five.
Avery had some problems though. Ownership wasn't really convinced he meant that much to the team. He took a lot of unnecessary penalties that put the team in tough spots. In Dallas, the Stars started the season miserably but are a solid 17-7-3 since he left the team. Avery brings a gritty and feisty presence to the team but can also be a distraction.
I'm not sure he is what the Rangers need at this point. Their biggest problem is scoring, especially on the power play. Avery will not really provide the scoring, but could provide a body in front of the net that is more frustrating for opposing goalies than Aaron Voros. The Rangers really need a guy like Jaromir Jagr who will just set up and blast shots on net and is not afraid to shoot. Avery is not that guy, although I do think he could inject a little more life into this team. So if you ask me, I say no, unless the Rangers don't have to pay that much for him. He's not worth the investment. Just look at Wade Redden.
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