It's Official: Sean Avery's Rejoining New York Rangers

The Dallas Stars have Sean Avery heading for re-entry, according to Sportsnet.ca, today, with confirmation coming from the Stars GM Lee Jackson.

The soap opera starring Sean Avery should turn into a movie set in New York City.
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It was first reported by on Friday that the Dallas Stars will place Avery on re-entry waivers Monday and Jackson confirmed the plan today, Sunday, during a TV broadcast.

Jackson added that a team is poised to pick him up. It has been widely reported that the New York Rangers have committed to claiming Avery.

Just two things stand in the way of Avery rejoining the Rangers:  John Tortorella made no secret of his negative feelings for Avery on TSN earlier this year and New York does not have the first crack at Avery.

"More than a few teams could use either the grit and puck sense Avery possesses," Sportsnet said, " or the attention he will bring to the rink."

Sean Avery was supposed to be serving food and drinks at a Wolf Pack “Tip-A-Player” fundraiser in Hartford for a nearby hospital today, according to Steve Zipay, who writes Blue Notes for Newsday.com. But he could be dining in Westchester after practice at the Rangers/Knicks training complex on Tuesday.

Avery could get a second chance with the Rangers for 18 regular season games and then the playoffs.

John Tortorella got his first win as coach of the New York Rangers and the closed a forgettable (3-6-4) February, scoring just 19 goals and allowing 37 before Saturday’s 6-1 win against the Colorado Avalanche.

New York is now in sole possession of sixth place in the East with 72 points, just two ahead of the Florida Panthers.

Sportsnet predicted the Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres, Nashville Predators, Toronto Maple Leafs, or Anaheim Ducks might claim Avery off waivers before New York gets their chance.

The Penguins got a tough winger last week when they traded Ryan Whitney for Chris Kunitz, with the Ducks. Avery could complement Kunitz for a new and improved Sidney Crosby line.

Kunitz could be the enforcer while Avery acts as agitator and Crosby could turn them both into bigger scorers.

The Leafs expressed an interest in bringing a high profile hometown hockey player to their team at the end of last season.

The Predators could use Avery's celebrity status to bring their attendance numbers up. 
The Ducks could use Avery to replace Kunitz.