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Avery returns to New York as Rangers host Stars

Oct 20, 2008 - 1:18 PM Dallas (1-3-1) at New York (6-1-1) 7:00 pm. EDT

NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Sean Avery has no regrets about how he left the New York Rangers, but it doesn't mean he won't try to agitate his former teammates.

The most hated man in hockey returns to his old stomping grounds on Monday when the Rangers host the Dallas Stars.

Avery recorded 23 goals and 30 assists in two seasons with New York, while managing to aggravate nearly every Rangers' opponent.

The seven-year veteran has been an nuisance his entire career, and actually caused the NHL to make a rule change during the playoffs when he did an obstruction dance in front of New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals last season.

The Rangers declined to re-sign Avery in the offseason, and he bolted for greener pastures in Dallas. The left wing signed a four-year, $15.5 million deal with the Stars.

Avery has not talked to the media, but said in a statement: "I have no animosity towards anyone in this organization for not bringing me back; that is sometimes how things work out. On the other side of the coin, however, I am very happy to now be a member of the Dallas Stars organization."

Without Avery, New York won five straight to start the season - equaling its franchise-best opening run of 1983-84 - before losing to Buffalo on Wednesday. The Rangers beat Toronto on Friday, but came up short in a 4-3 shootout loss to Detroit the following night.

Meanwhile, Dallas is coming off a 5-4 loss to Colorado on Saturday. The Stars have struggled defensively, allowing 11 goals in the last two games.