A few different blogs in the Ranger universe have considered the ‘issue’ and beat writer Larry Brooks has recently been more than willing to openly discuss the potential issue. Sean Avery. We’ve written a lot about the ‘grate one’ here at Blueseatblogs, mainly about what Avery can bring to club and what role he should play for the Blueshirts but this season, despite several strong showings, Avery doesn’t seem to be getting the ice time his play has often (but in the spirit of fairness, not always) warranted.

It must be a topic worth discussing when the mainstream media are more than happy to discuss it. On Monday, in Brook’s article he makes a sarcastic comment about Avery’s status:

Gaborik could play with Erik Christensen and Sean Avery (until they’re inevitably benched)

The problem with this issue is in the old age of upsetting the apple cart. The Rangers are playing a pretty strong transition season, have created themselves an identity and have coped well with significant injuries all while the young players appear to be growing before the fans eyes. So do you mention a possible issue that could affect the team as well as the coaches (improved) relationship with the media? The answer needs to be yes. Avery – even at half the salary hit thanks to Dallas – is a cap anchor if he’s only going to be playing 8 minutes per game. Better yet, if he isn’t going to be given a fair chance to prosper his spot could/should be taken by a Dale Weise or Evgeny Grachev to learn on the fly for 10 minutes a game. Avery can be a liability but he can also be a key element in the team’s success as he has proven this year. Averaging just around 12 minutes a game he is second on the team in assists, impressive given his limited ice time. So, does Tortorella have a personal problem with Avery? Brooks also discussed Avery’s situation with yet more of his usual sarcasm the other day when discussing the recent shootout loss to Tampa.

Don’t want to make a big deal out of this, but would Sean Avery have gone before Martin Biron if Thursday’s shootout against Tampa Bay had gone deeper into the Garden night?

That comment speaks volumes to what is now being perceived by the media and not just Rangers fans. It may be time to ask Tortorella why Avery hasn’t been used more and it may be time to decide whether Avery stays with this team or not. Ridding this team of Avery and White sheds a significant amount of salary. One of these players isn’t needed but one of these players (guess which one) could certainly be used better. Is it time to find out?

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