The Dallas Stars assigned left wing Sean Avery to the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League, a developmental league, Tuesday morning.

It's a fitting place for a guy who has a lot of developing to do.

The Wolf Pack is a New York Rangers affiliate. He's already practiced with Hartford.

The Stars placed Avery on waivers Saturday, which he cleared -- not so surprisingly -- Monday.

"I would like to thank Glen Sather and the Rangers organization for giving me the chance to resume my hockey career by affording me this opportunity," Avery said in a statement. "I am looking forward to getting back on the ice, working my way back to the NHL and playing the game I love."

Avery, 28, was signed as a free agent by the Stars July 2. He skated in 23 games for the Stars, posting three goals and seven assists for 10 points with 77 penalty minutes.

Of course the reason Avery was sent away stems from his raunchy December comments to the media about the relationship between his ex-girlfriend and a Calgary Flames defenseman.

He suspended for six games by the NHL for conduct detrimental to the league and never returned to the team. His teammates also indicated he was a divisive personality in the locker room.

Avery spent parts of two seasons in New York before signing a $15.5 million, four-year deal with the Stars. He is still under contract with the Stars.

Have fun in Hartford.

3 Comments

Scott said:

Just the next step in getting half of Avery's salary of the Stars books for the next few years. NY has until the trade deadline on March 4 to officially do something. Good riddance Sean.

February 10, 2009 11:26 AM

jeff said:

I WAS HAPPY WHEN THE STARS SIGNED HIM I KNEW HE WAS TROUBLE BUT I THOUGHT HE COULD HELP OUT GUESS I WAS WRONG. ONE QUESTION THOUGHT WHY DIDNT THEY USE HIM AS TRADE BAIT FROM THE RANGERS??? INSTEAD OF JUST RELEASING HIM LIKE HE IS FROM PRISON AND GIVEN ANOTHER CHANCE. WE SHOULD HAVE GOT SOMETHING FOR HIM.

February 10, 2009 2:08 PM

Aaron Chimbel said:

I think they know they have no leverage. The NY Rangers know the Stars want nothing to do with him, so they know they can get him on the cheap and everyone will be happy.

February 10, 2009 2:40 PM

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