With Sean Avery ready to be claimed by noon today, Lynn Zinser at Slap Shots looks at the possibilities of the 17 teams below the Rangers claiming him...Here's a few...
Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton: It is hard to overstate just how hated Avery is in his native Canada. Clearly his antics run counter to the Canadian hockey ethic of quiet humility and blending in with the team, and he has made no secret of his dislike for “hockey-obsessed Canadians.” But their antipathy toward him runs far beyond even what you might expect. No Canadian team is likely to take on that headache.
Atlanta, Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Nashville, Minnesota, Anaheim, Carolina, Columbus, Buffalo: No obvious reason why they would not be interested in Avery, and more than a few of them could use his agitation skills — he even fits the profile of the cantankerous Ducks — but remember, this is a three-year gamble these teams would be taking. He might be a relative bargain at $2 million a year, but it is a steep price to pay for three years if the move backfires.
...from all indications it looks like Avery to the Rangers is a foregone conclusion, but when is the media ever right these days. So stay tuned.
...happy to see Zinser mention the Penguins addressed their need for a wing and their need for some grit with their trade for Anaheim's Chris Kunitz. They are one team I was worried about claiming Avery.
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