Day: February 5, 2007

Avery Labelled As Agitator

Looking to add some toughness to the line-up, the Rangers finally made a move by acquiring agitator Sean Avery and minor league prospect John Seymour from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Jason Ward and two prospects.  The 5-9 forward has made an impression on the league, whether it be because of his willingness to drop the gloves, his outspoken comments in the press or his most recent incident that lead to a team mate breaking his wrist as they goofed around in the locker room.

He also has made a mark in the league for drawing penalties, ranked second in the league in that category this season.  At 26, he’s also a player the Rangers could keep around for several years should they choose to when he becomes a restricted free agent this summer.

In exchange for Avery, the Rangers move depth forward Jason Ward who had been a healthy scratch of late.  After a solid first season with the Rangers, Ward had found himself pushed down the depth chart to the fourth line, and was one of several forwards with limited offensive ability on the roster.

In addition the Rangers shipped forwards Jan Marek and Marc-Andre Cliche.  Marek was unlikely to join the Rangers after being unable to agree on contract terms, but the Kings may be willing to give him more money and take a chance on the offensively gifted forward.  Marek was set to become a UFA this summer.  In Cliche, the Rangers give up a solid prospect who played a checking role on Team Canada’s successful World Junior gold medal team.  Initially thought of as a potential second liner, it appears the Rangers downgraded their expectations after the WJC with Don Maloney recently claiming that the young Quebec native destined to be a solid third liner.

Prospect John Seymour was surprised to hear he was included in the trade, and is a long shot to make the NHL.  The Rangers may have become more familiar with him recently with the transfer of prospect Dalyn Flatt to the Brampton Battalion.  Seymour is a checking line winger, and one of the veteran leaders on the 9th placed Battalion.

Avery is expected to join the team tomorrow and could be in the line-up to face the Devils.