What Do the Pittsburgh Penguins Have to Lose by Claiming Sean Avery?

Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby leading the NHL in goals and assists, respectively. And more importantly, the Pittsburgh Penguins were Stanley Cup finalists last year. So it would be tragic if they fail to make the Playoffs this year.

And yet if the season ended today, they would, as they are currently tied for the ninth spot in the Eastern Conference with 59 points. Aside from getting rid of those hideous powder-blue uniforms, what the Penguins need is a left winger with an attitude.

It’s become public knowledge that the New York Rangers are interested in bringing NHL bad boy Sean Avery back for a second stint on Broadway, even though he lasted less than two months of his four-year deal in Dallas. 

But it’s foolish to think that the Rangers are the only NHL team interested in adding Sean Avery to their roster. How about Pittsburgh?

Avery is under contract through the 2011-2012 season and any team that claims him on re-entry waivers will only be responsible for half of his $4 million annual salary over the next three seasons.

While teams ponder picking him up, Avery may well light up the American Hockey League. While he's there, nearly every team in the NHL will have a peek and make decision about Avery: There are 21 teams beneath the Rangers whose waiver claim would trump New York’s.

Two million dollars a year for a guy that possesses a rare combination of grit, attitude, and annoyance—not to mention a marquee status as one of the most recognizable names in the entire sport? Avery may be better known than Crosby at this point!

What would the Penguins have to lose by claiming Avery? Some Playoff games?

The point is, they'd be there: in the playoffs, where they belong.

They would add a talented player, something they desperately need, and they would prevent the Rangers from getting him.