Jul 2, 2008 - 8:44 PM
0 shoutsFRISCO, Texas (Ticker) -- Sean Avery is headed from the Big Apple to Big D.
One of the NHL's feistiest forwards, Avery cashed in Wednesday with the Dallas Stars, who signed the tenacious left wing to a four-year contract worth $15.5 million.
Avery, 28, was a key contributor for the New York Rangers over parts of the past two seasons, scoring 23 goals and 53 points in 86 games. He appeared in 57 contests last campaign, recording 15 tallies and 18 assists.
But after failing to negotiate a new deal with New York, Avery joined Dallas on the second day of free agency.
"We are excited about the opportunity to add a player like Sean Avery to our group," Stars co-general manager Brett Hull said. "His ability to play the game with skill and tenacity makes us a better team and is a great complement to the players we have here."
In his first offseason as the Stars' co-GM, Hull already is making an impact as his presence was a significant factor in Avery signing with the club.
"I think it is a comfortable situation," Avery said. "(Hull) was my favorite player growing up as a kid."
An agitator who frequently draws penalties against opposing clubs, Avery certainly brought a winning presence to the Rangers, who went 50-20-16 with the Ontario native in the lineup.
Now Avery is headed to a Stars team that reached this year's Western Conference finals only to lose to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings in six games.
Avery has played parts of six seasons with the Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and Rangers, collecting 65 goals, 102 assists and 1,067 penalty minutes in 379 games.
