Sather Versus Tortorella Over Sean Avery

John Tortorella was named head coach of the New York Rangers, replacing Tom Renney who was fired the same day.

Talks then turned immediately to Sean Avery. Tortorella and Rangers General Manager Glen Sather appear to have opposite opinions regarding Avery.

Tortorella had been critical of Avery and his antics, according to Pierre LeBrun on his blog. But Sather clearly sounded like Avery was still in the cards for his team.

Steve Zipay, writing for newsday.com, reports that Sather said he was waiting to speak to Tortorella about Sean Avery. He quoted Sather saying, "Sean has worked hard, his attitude has been great, they've won three of four games. He's got one assist... He's coming along, we'll deal with that in the next week."

Zipay noted Sather mentioned Avery has a history with the Rangers when he said,  "Over time, you learn to love him."

According to CBCsports.ca, Tortorella has been highly critical of Avery while working as a hockey broadcaster this year.

The CBC story quoted Sather saying Tortorella "didn't have the history with Sean that we do. I think over time, he'll learn to love him, just like I have."

According to LeBrun, when the NHL suspended Avery for his comments about other hockey players dating his former girlfriends, Tortorella said this on TSN: "The league stepped up here and I think they did the right thing. Enough is enough. He's embarrassed himself, he's embarrassed the organization, he's embarrassed the league and he's embarrassed his teammates, who have to look out for him. Send him home. He doesn't belong in the league."

Although Avery remains property of the Dallas Stars, although he has resumed his hockey career with Hartford of the AHL, New York's affiliate.

In order to be eligible for the playoffs, Avery must become property of the Rangers before next Wednesday's trade deadline.