Rangers Acquire Avery from Los Angeles

[Sandmachine]

New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has acquired left wing Sean Avery and prospect John Seymour from the Los Angeles Kings, in exchange for right wing Jason Ward and unsigned forwards Marc-Andre Cliche and Jan Marek.

Avery, 26, has appeared in 55 games with the Los Angeles Kings this season, registering 10 goals and 18 assists for 28 points, along with 116 penalty minutes. He currently leads the Kings and ranks fifth in the NHL with 116 penalty minutes, ranks second on the team with 160 shots on goal, is tied for third on the club with two game-winning goals, and ranks sixth on the team in scoring with 28 points.

In addition, Avery is tied for second on the team with one shorthanded goal and ranks fourth on the Kings with 61 hits. Last season, he skated in 75 games with the Kings and led the league with 257 penalty minutes, while establishing career-highs in goals (15), assists (24) and points (39). He also tied for second on the team with three shorthanded goals and placed fourth on the squad with 91 hits.

The 5-10 185-pound forward has appeared in 293 career NHL contests with the Los Angeles Kings and Detroit Red Wings, recording 42 goals and 72 assists for 114 points, along with 855 penalty minutes. In 2003-04, his first full NHL season, he skated in a career-high 76 games with the Kings and led the league with 261 penalty minutes, becoming just the second King in club history to accomplish the feat. In 109 career American Hockey League (AHL) games with Cincinnati and Grand Rapids from 2000-01 - 2002-03, Avery collected 56 points (28 goals and 28 assists) along with 492 penalty minutes.

The native of Pickering, Ontario originally signed as a free agent with the Detroit Red Wings on September 21, 1999. He was acquired by the Los Angeles Kings on March 11, 2003 from Detroit along with Maxim Kuznetsov, a 2003 first round draft pick (Jeff Tambellini) and a second round pick in 2004 (later transferred to Boston), in exchange for Mathieu Schneider.

Seymour, 19, has registered six points (one goal and five assists) and 29 penalty minutes in 34 games this season with the Brampton Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

Ward, 28, has appeared in 46 games with the Rangers this season, registering four goals and six assists, along with 26 penalty minutes.

Cliche, 19, has skated in 35 games with the Lewiston MAINEiacs (QMJHL) this season, tallying 15 goals and 21 assists, along with 30 penalty minutes.

Marek, 27, has collected 43 points (17 goals and 26 assists) in 42 games with Magnitogorsk of the Russian Hockey League.

[Smerri1029]

The Los Angeles Kings have traded centre Sean Avery and prospect John Seymour to the New York Rangers for right winger Jason Ward along with prospects Marc Andre Cliche and Jan Marek.

Avery, 26, has established a reputation as a contentious player with controversial statements and a league penalty minute crown part of his package.

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound pivot has toned down his act this season and is on pace for his most productive season. Through 55 games, Avery has 10 goals, 28 points, 116 penalty minutes and is minus-10.

Last season, Avery scored 39 points and led the NHL with 257 penalty minutes.

Avery will be a restricted free agent this summer.

Source

[NewNHLHater]

Hope he's there for tomorrow nights game against the Devils. The Devils just called up Janssen after being banged around by the Flyers. With Avery on the Rags to cause some trouble that may be a good game.

[IslesFan92]

wow, this caught me off guard
im very surprised

[Sandmachine]

I hope Hollweg sticks with the club so they have both he and Avery running around causing trouble each game. If Kasparaitis comes back, then it'd be even a little more interesting. It's probably bad news for Orr though.

[brawl lover]

Originally Posted by Sandmachine

It's probably bad news for Orr though.

Jeezus I hope they keep Orr in so he can fight Averys battles

[frenchfry]

Fantastic. Avery and his big mouth in New York should be good.

[steg1989]

Bye Bye Orr...

[KiddYidd]

Originally Posted by steg1989

Bye Bye Orr...

Or bye bye Hollweg.

[bengino]

Originally Posted by KiddYidd

Or bye bye Hollweg.

i thhink Orr has the more likely chance of being put aside then Hollweg... Orr doesn't exactly bring anything else to the table.

[JKidd]

If the Rags are smart, they'd keep Orr there to fight Avery's battles for him, or many Rags are going to end up in a shattered mess.

This could be the start of something fun in NY, or the start of a disaster...

[danski]

Oh boy, this should make Flyers Rangers games alot more exciting. I hate/love this move.

[stevecanuck16]

Hopefully Tom Renney takes the leash off of Avery. He hasn't been nearly as effective this year. In fact, I've barely noticed him at all.

[KiddYidd]

Originally Posted by bengino

i thhink Orr has the more likely chance of being put aside then Hollweg... Orr doesn't exactly bring anything else to the table.

Without a doubt but Hollweg is more of a Avery type player without the offensive skills.

[E_S_A_D]

There's one reason Avery is with the Rangers... BRENDAN SHANAHAN.
Shanahan and Avery still talk on the phone routinely and became quite close friends while together in Detroit.
Huge move for the Rangers, they needed a guy like Avery- his scoring production will improve upon a 3rd line or 4th as well. Brilliant move.