Avery Breaks Silence, Breaks Contract Talks

Speculation about why Sean Avery refused to talk to the press the past few weeks always centered on his contract talks with the team -- everyone figured he didn't want to say anything in the press that might be held against him in a court of negotiations. That notion seemed to be confirmed today when Avery broke his media silence specifically to tell the world that his contract talks have broken off and that he expects to reach July 1st a free agent. Time will tell if this is a new negotiating ploy by Avery, taking his case public, or if it's precisely the foot-in-mouth event he was hoping to avoid by avoiding the press.

For more, see Blueshirts Blog, Rangers Report, Newsday, and Newsday's Rangers Insider, who reported the news from practice today, where everyone skated in preparation for tomorrow's game against the Islanders except Scott Gomez, who rested a sore groin but is expected to play. Henrik Lundqvist is also expected to return to the crease, while the line-up in front of him remains the same as yesterday.

Comments

[RobZ]

I doubt Sean wants that much. With plenty of the guys leaving next year and the cap going up, it would be smart if Slats to get this guy under contract. This guy makes this team go and makes the crowd go. We really did not need this right now.

THIS IS NOT GOOD!

[Matty is sick ...]

I think Avery is playing the media and I think he wants $3.5 or more and the team is probably offering 2.5 million ... or it could be that he wants a multi-year deal in the 5 yr+ range and the team is only willing to do a 2-3 yr deal ... who knows ... I'll worry about it after the season

[Scott]

Sign the guy. Look at the record with and without him, it speaks for itself. Don't think three veterans will hang them up and we can play all first and second year guys.

[Jess]

I am sure that so many are jumping all over Sather for not re-signing Avery but the person who has to get the criticism here and now is Avery himself.

Yes I know I am the one who dislikes Avery so automatically I have a bias but sorry that is not the case here.

Avery has been keeping quiet for the last month so why decide to talk about his contract toss in the "woe is me I will be playing elsewhere next season" crap now?

This is the second time in less than a year that Avery has taken his contract issues public but my complaint is that once again we are hearing only what Avery wants to say. We are hearing part of his side not the whole story.

None of us are privy to how much Sather offered or how much Avery is asking for so for all we know Avery could be just as much over pricing himself as Sather is supposedly low balling him.

A case can be made for Avery deserving a contract just as strong as one saying he does not deserve one.

I for one think that Avery deserves a new contract but not one at 3+ million a season.

Give him an incentive fill contract based upon performance and games played. Give Avery a 3 year deal starting with a base salary of 2.5 mil and offer him enough incentives to let him earn another million.

If he meets his incentives in any of his first 2 years then that is his base salary for the next season. That way Avery does not have to start over.

If he earns 500,000 in incentives then his base salary the next season starts at 3 mil.

In my book Avery earns his money and basically the only way not to earn the money is by not producing or getting himself suspended.

[ORR Says "Win the Cup" !!]

Sather would be dumb not to re sign him. Im not worried at all. There's guys that are born to play for Nyr, and he's one of them. Sather knows how important he is to this team, so he would re one of the dumbest GM's in the NHL to let him go. But there shouldn't be anyone who think he wont get re signed. I just hope when it happens, it for 4 years or so.

[oleosmirf]

Avery's agents are very very smart

The reaction by the fans and the media will make Sather pony up the money or if he doesnt the fans will take it out on him.

[oleosmirf]

jess

You take his stats and average it over 82 games and you get 22 goals 28 assists for 50 points. That in its own is enough to get 3 million these days plus all the other things he brings.

I'm with you on disliking Avery. He comes across as a real asshole but he is so valuable to this team.

We all know how this team has done with him and without him. I'd give him around 3.5 million for 3 years but we have no idea what Avery wants. Maybe he wants a long term deal and the Rangers don't want to but the money should be no issue he's worth every penny.

[Joe]

I like Avery. If he walks, Sather should put a small package together to get Danny Carcillo from Phoenix. Carcillo is Avery-in-training, but wouldn't cost as much.

[Mark W.]

Avery's agents may be smart, but this is a distraction that a hot team in a playoff dogfight does not need. That was selfish. Keep the contract talks private until the team's season is over. Averaging his stats is a reasonable idea, but you could have made the same cases for Lindros, Bure, and LaFontaine while they were here: They produced when they did play, but did not play often enough. I'm not saying Avery is as injury prone, but you have to take his statistical production at face value, which includes games played. That said though, I want him to re-sign.

[out0fyourelement]

on a side scoreboard watching note:

Washington is up 4-0 on the red hot Bruins only 8:30 into the game...thomas out and auld in

Ovechkin got his 50th and 51st

nice!

[Chris]

Avery deserves about 2.5-2.8 for 3-4yrs.
After Dubinsky and Staal hes the next guy I just dont want to see leave.

[Andrea]

Just as I'm coming around to Sean and what he CAN bring, he's gotta open that yap. Paging Shanny and Jags: Muzzle this guy before he not only divides his teammates, but the fans as well. Right now, I don't want to think of ANYone's contract status. (Although I agree with Jess and the incentive-based contract.)

WoW! I'd rather see Ovie and the Craps in the post-season than a bunch of other teams. Hope they can manage to eake in!

[LisaMY (at work, shhh)]

Jess,

I like the idea of an incentive laden contract for Avery. Let him get 3 yrs up front, and then structure it like Jagr's. If he meets the requirements in his 3rd year, then another year automatically kicks in w/new salary and new incentives. Or he walks. But, if he meets those requirements in the 4th year, the 5th year kicks in. But that's it. Three years guaranteed, plus 2 more w/incentives. I'm not contract talk savvy, but I think you understand what I'm trying to say here.

I like Aves but he strikes me as a guy who needs a goal to strive for in order to keep focused. Otherwise, he gets bored and complacent and goes looking for excitement. And that can only lead to trouble. The boy's high-maintenance, big time. I've worked with little kids who need less attention. That's not a critique, just an observation.

[Shawn]

Ovechkin just got a hat trick. with 45 minutes to go hah.

[Luke]

15 Million 4 years. If the rangers dont resign Mara and or Malik its doable and not ridiculous, although who knows what Sean is asking for.

[Andrea]

PS: Got my print BB today. Among other things, terrific re-cap of Leetch Night!

[LisaMY (at work, shhh)]

Washington up 5-0

Hope this isn't the case of the "dreaded 5-goal lead". :)

(cue the dramatic prairie dog.)

[out0fyourelement]

6-0 caps after 1

wow

[LisaMY (at work, shhh)]

Scratch that.

Washington is now up 6-0.

[Dubi]

The reports are that Avery is asking for $2.5 million per year, but recognizes that because of the injuries, his value hasn't changed much since the start of the year.

I don't think anyone quoted him, but during his trade deadline press conference Sather spoke about a one-year bridge deal as a possibility for Avery because he didn't get a chance to show much over the first half of the season.

Avery's agents may be smart, but right now he's not using them, negotiating the deal himself. That may be part of the problem.

Lisa, under the current CBA, incentive clauses are not allowed except for entry level contracts and players 35 or older. Jagr's contract was negotiated before the current CBA came into force.

[angry]

Breaking off talks now is a tactic to engage management now, in the middle of a hot streak for the player and the team, while the market (and emotions) are high. After the playoffs, the emotional intangibles will be harder to discern and the organization will make its case based on the evidence, which in Avery's case, can be parsed and spun pretty awfully.

For instance:

Statistically, he's had a sub-par year...perhaps not in terms of his career numbers, but certainly in terms of the expectations he created over 20 games plus the playoffs last year.

Anecdotally, there have been bouts of on-ice recklessness and off-ice stupidity and at least one suspension.

Physically, there will be questions about the chronic health of his wrists...and they'll be pointed questions, given the difference between his play when he's healthy and when he's not. He's clearly an old 27...but how old? Playing the type of game he plays, how many years does he have left?

The truth is, Avery's not as good as he thinks he is...but he's much better than the organization will give him credit for...especially in a negotiation.

Of course, fans know - and I suspect Glen Sather knows, too - that Avery's value transcends what he does on the scoresheet...but then again, that only counts for so much if you want to be paid like a top six forward.

Here's to a quick resolution in favor of Sean, AVery good Ranger.

[Blaze]

Future Blue

David LeNeveu, obtained in the Al Montoya/Hossa trade with Phoenix, made 30 saves Saturday in his debut for the Hartford Wolf Pack in a 2-1 loss to Manchester ... The Pack's Lauri Korpikoski had five goals in five games before the Pack scored just once (Dane Byers) in two weekend games ... With 82 points, Hartford is third in the Eastern Conference and fifth overall in the AHL ...

*****2006 first-round pick Bobby Sanguinetti, playing for Brampton, leads all Ontario Hockey League defensemen in scoring with 65 points in 56 games (26 goals and 39 assists) ...

Montoya, now with the San Antonio Rampage, could make his first appearance against the Wolf Pack in Texas on Friday; the Rampage then visit Hartford on March 14 ... The Rangers are eligible for four callups post-trade deadline, but players with one-way contracts (Thomas Pock, Andrew Hutchinson) still have to clear waivers. If Paul Mara's return is delayed or another defenseman is injured, Ivan Baranka or Corey Potter, who is near the top of AHL defenseman in plus-minus with 26, may be summoned.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/rangers/ny-sprangin0304,0,5714556.story

[Matty is sick ...]

if he's asking for 2.5 million which is what he was asking for last summer then I don't see what the problem is unless the team only wants to give him a 1-2 yr deal and he wants 3+ yrs and that's the problem ... perhaps the length of the deal ...

Boston was due to lose ... as good as they have been playing in their last couple of games they've been lucky and Washington can just play great sometimes and then subpar at others ... now with the stronger goaltending is more even

Oh look wait ... was Thomas pulled then Auld put in and now Thomas is back ... is that how that happeend?

[LisaMY (at work, shhh)]

hmmm, it's now 6-1, Washigton, in the 2nd.

Recent experience says to wait until the end before saying anything about who wins or who loses this game.

[Matty is sick ...]

You work late Lisa? That stinks ... :(

Brasheur just had a fight with .... Thornton ... I think Donald won that one although Thornton got a few good punches in there ... 7-1 Washington ...

[Matty is sick ...]

Dammit! I just found out that next Monday's game vs the Sabres is on Versus ... >: grrrr

[Matty is sick ...]

damn ... triple post BUT I am not posting the same thing so whatev!

Anyhow ... I just thought it was funny that Versus just showed a promo with Henrik doing the voice over about how he loves pressure and how intense games are in particular vs the Flyers ... I just found this funny because versus is making him part of the advertisement and well I am thinking that Vally will most likely get that start XD! I love Henrik but I think Vally should face the Flyers in the final 2 games we have with them ... BUT the only problem with that is that the 18th we play the Pens and then we play the Devils on the 19th ... Henrik will certainly play the Devils I am sure ... so on the 21st is the 1st Flyers game but then if Vally plays that one then Henrik won't play again until the 27th he'll have like a full week off ... this could be good for him or not ... so I do wonder what Renney will choose to do with that ... does Henrik play one of the Flyers games so he isn't rusty or does he play the 2 back2backs and then gets rested and Vally plays both Flyers games? Decisions, great thing I don't have to make them ...

[LisaMY (at work, shhh)]

I work nights so if it weren't for replays or my Cablevision-provided DVR, I'd miss most Ranger games. No endoresment of Cablevision, btw, (the Dolans can take a flying leap as far as I'm concerned and that's putting it nicely). At least I don't work Tuesdays, so I can see what should be a very intense game tomorrow.

I hate Versus, too. Great call on that one, Bettman.

[oleosmirf]

2.5 million is fine for me but this talk about dividing the dressing room is hilarious. You think anyone on the team is focused on Avery's contract come on.

At the end of the day the better Avery plays the more money he gets thats the bottom line

[Godot]

Avery just wants to p line money is all :)

G

[PAJoe]

Wash 10 Bos 2 Final

[ORR Says "Win the Cup" !!!!!!!!!!]

Finally a team steps up and beats the B's. Nyr needs to take advantage of this.

[Derek]

I don't understand. I'm not a big Avery fan, but I think there he may be a little over rated and I do not like his antics. He isn't worth more than maybe $2 mil a year, maybe.

[Chris G]

He's been great with Dubinsky and Jagr
sign him !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Laserman]

I don't think we can have a guy like Avery slip away. He has a lot of intangibles in his game thats tough to put a value on. If we lose Avery, then some team like Philly or the Isles will pick him up and we will get to see first hand what a pain he is to play against...

[saget]

Avery has proven to be a difference maker on this team - and more for good than bad. Do I think he's a PPG player like he's showing lately? No, I think he's a good 2nd liner, at best, and I would think he can be had for up to 3.0 million per year (average) on the open market.

But one thing seems to be clear from the newspaper reports I see - his teammates love him, and he has not been a negative distraction in the room. That deserves to be rewarded. The only concern I have is will that last? I would be presenting him with a three year worth 9.00 million (2.5, 3.0, 3.5, for a cap hit of 3.00/yr.). If he wants 4 years or more, offer him some combination of $11 million (for 2.75 million/year cap hit - longer term, less cap hit allowed). If he wants more $$, than he gets a 2-year, 7.0 deal (3.5 per) - shorter term to minimize the long-term cap hit effect.

The other thing we don't know if whether he is seeking a no-movement clause. If I'm Sather, Im not agreeing to any of those right now...I don't care who the person is. He's had a great impact on the Rangers over the course of one year, but it is just one year. With his reputation, Id be very concerned about tying my hands when it comes to moving him in the future.

[ORR Says "Win the Cup" !!!!!!!!!!]

LOOOL

Avery over rated ???

No friggin way in hell...He's one of the most underrated. Doan is over rated, Blake, Tucker, guys like that are over rated.

[ORR Says "Win the Cup" !!!!!!!!!!]

The only reason for people to worry aboot Aves is the fact that Sather was so quick to dump Nylander to get someone he thought can fill his place. Nylander gave nothing but two career seasons, then got dumped, when none of us were worried about him getting dumped. So who knows what Sather is thinking, all i know, is Avery is worth what ever he's asking. I really dont care if people dont agree, but Aves is one of the biggest pieces of this team. Two injuries slowed him down early on, but now he's doing what we expected. If Sather gives up on him, then he needs to walk away from this organization.

[czechthemout!!!!!]

If any number of players who are WAY WAY WAY overpaid and under performing get paid their money,(insert as many as 6 or seven players)why is Sather being so stupid?

[Ant]

Hes a lil bitch who runs to the media right away

[jack]

Avery is more important then anyone on this team not named...Staal, Dubi Gomez, Drury and Hank. If he wants 3 a year then we are getting away with a good deal. Give him 5 for 15 and lets end this non sense...Toots and Giradi are not more important then Avery and Sather was quick to sign them. If Avery wants more then 3.5 a year then you have to question whether he really wants to be here...but Dubi said 2.5...then give it to him already

[Joe in DE]

Avery IS a rockstar, here is proof on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ9kx-U_ka8

The guy can do it all, and while some players turtle under the scrutiny of NY, Avery basks in it. The truth of the matter is that there is nobody we could get to replace him. He's fast, he hits, he fights, he's a general PITA to other teams, he scores, and he injected some much needed grit into out first line. Avery gets lots of good dirty goals in the paint, we don't have many of those guys. The numbers we can replace if he leaves, but it's the intangibles and Avery personality which can't be. He is a major part of why we swept Atlanta last year. I don't mind Sather playing hardball, but if he wants 3 mil, just give the guy his money and let's get back to our regularly scheduled programming.

BTW, let's root for west coast domination tonight

[Jess]

I just want to ask all of those who are trashing Sather exactly how they know for a fact that Sather is the bad guy here?

Cmon I really want you to show us what the Ranger contract offer to Avery was.

Cmon show me what Avery's contract demands are?

I repeat none of us know what Avery was offered by the Rangers, none of us know what Avery thinks he is worth.

Yet those trashing Sather are so sure that Avery is the good guy here.

Sorry no good guy decides to broadcast his problems with the team while the team is in the middle of a playoff race.

Avery needs to earn his new contract on the ice not via the support on message boards. If anything Avery just might have sealed his ticket out of NYC as Sather does not like being embarrassed in public.

[Joe G]

So I guess now, maybe some of the points that Sather was making to the arbitrator last summer about Avery, are turning out to be true. Kind of an obvious "me-first" attitude from our resident pest, don't you think? To go to the press now, in the middle of a playoff push, shows that Sean Avery is all about Sean Avery!! Of course he deserves a new contract, almost everyone concedes that. Keep producing, and working as he is with Jagr, and he'll get that contract. Running to the press with your one-sided opinion of the stalemate(just like you did last summer), and maybe you don't get that contract. In the end, you can't hide your true nature; or your own selfish attitudes.
Jess, you have it right!! An incentive-laden contract is the only way to go with this guy.

[Effigy of the Forgotten]

Orr says win the cup:

yes, Nylander played great here, but you do realize that the guy had NEVER been beyond the first round of the playoffs until last year. Why pay a guy 4-5 million to be a number one center thats never won or even gotten to the 2nd round.

[oleosmirf]

joe g

he might be selfish off the ice but on the ice and in the locker room he doesn't seem to be a problem and believe me if he was Shanahan, Jagr, Gomez, Henrik wouldnt stand for it...

Aaron Ward was a problem he was shipped off, if Avery was a problem he'd be gone too and I'm sure plenty of teams would love to have him at 2.5 mil

[LI Joe]

since Avery was hurt so much this yr i hope both sides agree on 1 yr bridge contract and then revisit a yr from now. but if Shanny and even JJ are gone who controls Avery. well enough of that Let's beat the Islanders tomorrow.

[Joe G]

I never said he was selfish on the ice or in the lockeroom. But what purpose does it serve to make the story about you right now? They're playing their best hockey of the year,they have a chance to solidify a playoff spot this week, and we all know that from now until the end of the season, everything Avery does on the ice will be prefaced with comments about his contract situation. There is just no need for that type of distraction at this time of the year.
As for other teams gladly paying him $2.5 mil, I'm sure there are. Including the Rangers!! But I think Avery believes that he is the "straw that stirs the drink." I'm sure the Rangers will offer him the type of contract that he feels he deserves, as long as he keeps producing on the ice. NOT IN THE NEWSPAPERS!
And, if he can get the kind of money that he feels he is worth somewhere else, good luck to him! See if MTV or the NHL Game Of The Week comes calling for his services when/if he leaves the Rangers. I kinda' doubt it!! Outside of hockey circles, nobody really knew anything about him before he came here, and I think he can return to that anonymity if he leaves. Now I gotta get some sleep!! Night!

[LI Joe]

oh Matty get better soon. don't think there is a cause and effect between your cold and the Rangers winning ways.

[oleosmirf]

all he's doing is using the media to get more money thats it.

Why would Avery want to leave NY. He gets to be a star in a big city. He gets to improve his image. Let's see him do that in Columbus or San Jose.