The Stars confirmed that the New York Rangers put in a claim on Sean Avery as he went through recall waivers the last 24 hours. There's also a story about it on TSN.ca.
What does that mean for the Stars? Well, they must pay 50 percent of Avery's remaining contract. (That rule is designed to keep teams from hiding good players in the minors to save salary cap space and then calling them up for the playoffs). That means half of what's left this season and about $2 million per season for the remaining three years of the contract he signed with the Stars in the off-season. They must pay that in cash and have that count against the salary cap as well. But the Rangers own his contract and he's affiliated officially with them. (The Stars save about $425,000 in real money and cap money for the remainder of this season).
But it means they don't have to worry about a buyout in the summer or sending Avery home. The only responsibility they have with Avery is that they owe him that remaining money on his contract. This was the best outcome the Stars had left in terms of money and long-term cap space.
Avery could play with the Rangers on Thursday when they face the Islanders.
So can we close the chapter on Avery as a Dallas Star now? Are you relieved the Rangers took him and he's no longer an issue for the Stars?
Rejoice dear hearts!!!
Now, if we could just get a really hot fire under the Stars. Look at the standings and one would think that would be all you need. Even with the injuries, it's there for the taking if they want it bad enough. I think that is what Tippett has been saying all along.
Posted by: dwain | March 03, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Any chance the Stars pick up Jon Sim off waivers today?
Posted by: cowtown | March 03, 2009 at 01:10 PM