I think that Avery is a semi-skilled forward that DOES indeed have a big mouth. If he learned to stop his temper and drop the “I’m not afraid of anyone because I’m He-man” additude, I think he’ll be a greater asset to LA.

However, his physical play was something we clearly lacked against Edmonton. But on the other hand, I’m glad we got Greg Johnson back for leadership and offensive skills.

Next question…with Yzerman and Shanahan gone, can it be assumed that Lidstrom will be Captain?

-firebird995

My point is that the average sports fan doesn’t know who Avery is - outside of hockey fans such as ourselves. The media at large isn’t really putting Avery on the front page in the States. He’s not Terrell Owens or anything…What he says is really not dragging the league down that much and does little to perpetuate the Slap Shot stereotype. Find me some non-hockey fans who cite Sean Avery as an example of NHL hockey buffoonery and maybe I’ll agree with you. I just don’t think he’s that well know outside our small circles of fanship.

Maybe he will repeat that production. Who knows? My argument is that his downsides in the form of penalties and disgraceful goonmanship outweigh any offensive upside.

Fair enough. I agree to disagree. I think there are plenty of goons out there in the NHL who have absolutely ZERO offensive upside, so if you’re shopping on the market for one Avery isn’t a bad buy. I would take him over a Tie Domi or Brashear any day.

you probably didn’t realize Avery put up such high numbers.

No, I had to look them up on hockeydb like you probably did.

I’ll admit that Avery has offensive ability. I remember thinking that when he was in Detroit. He’s fast and obviously isn’t merely an unskilled goon. He’s a semi-skilled goon. However, he is too preoccupied with being a pest and riding other players to be a worthwhile offensive asset. Maybe if he got his head on straight and satisfied himself with scoring big goals “down the stretch” while putting his team on the PP instead of the PK, he’d be worth it.

Maybe he will repeat that production. Who knows? My argument is that his downsides in the form of penalties and disgraceful goonmanship outweigh any offensive upside.

The league has many other things to worry about PR-wise before they should worry about Avery talking to the press. I don’t think the league’s image is much worse off after Avery opens his mouth. The media is not hockey literate in the States and are going to always spin stories to our frustration - so get used to it. It’s a small market, niche sport in the States and we’re not going to get good press any time soon (with or without Avery).

Avery on the other hand, likely had a career year (ie. a one-time deal)

= unsubstantiated speculation… you probably didn’t realize Avery put up such high numbers. Avery put up 28 pts the season before the lockout and 39 pts the season after the lockout. I also remember him scoring some huge goals for LA down the stretch last season. He’s 26 years old, so I wouldn’t throw his career in the garbage for the sake of this argument.

Avery is a guy you hate playing against and love having on your team, most of the time (on the ice). Off the ice, you just have to deal with his baggage.

I’d like to see Avery repeat those kind of numbers (not that they’re impressive by any means). Maltby put up similar numbers in each of the two seasons prior to the 05-06 season and the fact that he had a bad year does not diminish his value to the team in other areas. Avery on the other hand, likely had a career year (ie. a one-time deal) and caused his teammates a lot of grief while doing it.

As for directing frustrations at current Wings, I believe I’ve done that quite often on this blog. My stance on that issue is pretty well articulated.

I think directing disgust at Sean Avery as an “NHL personality” is well within my purview. I am, afterall, a fan of hockey, not just the Red Wings. I care about the League’s image and I hate how Avery projects the Slap Shots-esque goon stereotype of the game.

He’s not my least-favorite Red Wing at all. He’s just doing his job as a NHL personality. Did you realize Avery had 15 goals and 24 assists last season (75 games)? Maybe you still think about him as a borderline NHL player but he’s not anymore. Maltby had 5 goals and 6 assists last season (82 games), and sure he’s a PK specialist and has other perks outside of stats but maybe you should direct your frustrations at the current Wings. I find it amazing Avery can be in the box so much and put up numbers like that.

I’d love to have Avery back…much more than Greg Johnson. Avery is obviously going to take shots at opposing players, so that he says that about Maltby is hardly surprising and not really post-worthy.