Nice knowing you Sean

December 15, 2008   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Okay. So it appears Sean Avery’s Dallas Stars career was shorter than Milli Vanilli’s stay on top.

It’s hard to believe he went from a pretty effective player here with the Rangers to so unpopular with his new teammates in two months that he’d get run out of town. But that’s exactly how it played out following his “sloppy seconds” reference when in Calgary to face Dion Phaneuf and Mike Cammalleri, who both were seeing ex-girlfriends Elisha Cuthbert and Rachel Hunter.

First, it was the overly sensitive  NBHL which suspended him six games for the remarks including a mandated Anger Management Program at Avery’s suggestion. Then after several meetings between lone backer and Dallas co-GM Brett Hull who sold Tom Hicks on bringing the antagonist in, the Star organization concluded that it would be in their best interest to part ways with Mr. Avery after they gave him a four-year 16 million deal including a no-trade clause.

In the end, Dallas mainstays Mike Modano, Marty Turco along with Brad Richards got their way though it still doesn’t fully explain their paltry 11-14-4 mark for 26 points ranking dead last in the Western Conference. Much was expected of a team which fell to eventual Cup champion Detroit in last Spring’s Conference Finals. But it’s been a rough go for them so far with Turco performing miserably while captain Brenden Morrow is done for the season and top D Sergei Zubov has been hurt for the majority while vet Jere Lehtinen has played in only three games.

Avery’s antics didn’t help which probably explains why there was so much opposition to him returning following the latest incident. Still, this is a team which should be playing better and getting more from team leaders Mike Ribeiro and Richards. Even if scoring does pickup, Turco must get out of his season long funk or they’ll be booking tee times a lot earlier than expected in Big D.

With Avery no longer in the picture, the question now becomes where will he wind up? Would any other team be willing to take a chance on him? He’s a serviceable player if he can be kept under control.

Here in New York, Avery was under his best behavior focusing more on hockey helping the Rangers advance to the Conference Semis two straight years while agitating opponents including favorite rival Martin Brodeur like never before to the point where he got the three-time Cup winner off his game. The no handshake has been well documented.

It’s worth pointing out that there were incidents like Avery talking to Brodeur before a game with David Clarkson intercepting and getting into words. Plus the pregame stuff with Darcy Tucker which seemed to work for the Rangers as they beat up on the Leafs.

So, can he change to stay in this league? Hard to say. Avery’s always beaten to his own drum and his off-ice fashion focus is all part of who he is. The question is when he finishes the program, will he want to finally shutup and return to playing hockey or would he rather just go fullswing into fashion and Hollywood?

As much as I liked him here, he has to make a decision on who he wants to be. He can still be a good hockey player and continue his career if he so chooses but enough is enough already. The clown act has to go!

I will never agree with how the league handled this situation but it’s also true that Avery does have a responsibility to the NHL and his team. Joking around is fine once in a while as long as it’s not over the top. However, there’s also a time to pipe down and be professional.

The choice is his.