Waiver Wire: Avery Clears, Betts Claimed

  NHL pest Sean Avery has officially cleared waivers. The 31 year old was squeezed out of the NHL after failing to make the New York Rangers’ roster in a battle for the last roster spot it was announced yesterday.

  The nine seasons experienced Avery flew back to New York today, where he is expected to report to the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Connecticut Whale. Avery’s agent, Pat Morris, has not ruled out a loan in which Avery would head to Europe for the 2011-2012 season rather than play in the minors.

  The Rangers have now been freed up of Avery’s cap hit of $1,937,500 million, which gives the Rangers more viable options heading into the regular season.

  Avery’s axe from the team came from the words of head coach John Tortorella yesterday, covered in my post; "Avery Waived Goodbye."

  It is unknown what Avery will do from this point, but it seems rather clear his second stint, or “sloppy seconds” he may call it (in reference to his media quote that saw his position with the Dallas Stars eliminated), has failed to secure him a job within the team, and apparently for now the National Hockey League.

  Avery wasn’tt he only Ranger to clear waivers today, as Stu Bickel and Brendan Bell also cleared waivers and will report to the AHL.

  Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens made gains in their checking line depth as they claimed forward Blair Betts off waivers from the Philadelphia Flyers. The 31 year old was waived by the Flyers on Tuesday, and would have reported to the AHL had he not been snatched up by noon, Eastern Time.

  Betts has been an NHL regular now for six straight years. He played 75 games in the 2010-2011 campaign with the Flyers, his second year with the club, and tallied 5 goals and 12 points with a -3 rating.

  The 6’3 210lbs. Edmonton, Alberta native has never posted more than nine goals or 18 points in a single NHL season after nine NHL seasons (two of which he dressed under ten games), but Betts forte is not that of point production. Betts offers size and defensive responsibility, something that the Canadiens can benefit from. He has consistently been a controlled and disciplined player throughout his career – something well worth pointing out considering the role he takes on as an NHL player.

  Betts’ $700,000 contract has been relieved of the big spending Flyers, who move just under the salary cap maximum after the move. Betts is set to become an unrestricted free-agent at the end of the season.

  Betts is likely to move in and out of the 12th spot on the checking line for the Canadiens, but has size and defensive presence for the Candiens’ East-West matchups.

  In 477 NHL games Betts has accumulated 41 goals and 78 points with a -18 rating and 118 penalty minutes.

- Kendall Grubbs