Avery gone at season’s end?
New York Rangers pending unrestricted free agent forward Sean Avery tells Newsday’s Arthur Staple that he’s not sure he’ll be back with the club next season.
Dollars appears the cause of the problem.
“I think both sides are pretty adamant about a dollar amount, and I don’t see anyone moving off it anytime soon,” he said. “Wherever I end up in the future, there’s nothing we can determine right now.”
It’s believed that Avery is looking for a long-term deal worth at least $2.5 million per season. But while the gritty forward says he’d like to re-sign with the Rangers, it appears as though the club may not want to meet his demands.
“I don’t think the value of what I’m worth has changed from the start of the season to right now,” Avery said. “I certainly love playing for the Rangers, no question about it. I’d say that window (of signing a long-term deal with the team) is probably not as open as it has been in the past.”
Avery admitted Monday, that in fact, he has called of negotiations between he and the Rangers.
So, with his contract still up in the air, does Avery see the situation as a distraction?
“As far as I’m concerned, you play for your teammates and your organization,” said Avery, who is playing on a one-year, $1.9-million deal that was the result of an acrimonious arbitration hearing last summer. “This certainly isn’t going to affect my situation here.”
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The problem is that Avery went to Slats and told him he didn’t feel like he was living up to his value, and that he didn’t think anyone would want him in UFA. Go figure he isn’t in a strong bargaining position at the moment…
Personally, if I’m Sather, I go to Avery with a two year deal at $2.25M and tell him it’s time to piss or get off the pot…
by Dan Rakusan on March 3rd, 2008 at 9:50 PM EST
I don’t think Avery would take two year at $2.25M per.
From the sounds of it, he’s intent on cashing in on his next deal. He’s going UFA, IMO.
by Alin Mateescu on March 3rd, 2008 at 10:56 PM EST
You’re probably right, but it’s worth at least approaching him with that offer. I wouldn’t pay any more, simply because Avery hasn’t done much this season. Maybe if he has a huge playoffs, then I offer him $3M, but otherwise, I’d be willing to risk having him leave.
by Dan Rakusan on March 4th, 2008 at 8:18 AM EST
I would tell Avery, score 15-20 goals, and keep being a pest, then we’ll talk.
by Bryen Owen on March 4th, 2008 at 5:12 PM EST
According to the New York Daily News (mar 4), Avery is seeking $4.2M and is using Philly’s Scott Hartnell as a comparable. ARE YOU MENTAL SEAN??? I don’t see this as a good idea on his part. Slats will laugh him out of the Big Apple at that price…
by Dan Rakusan on March 5th, 2008 at 11:28 AM EST