Avery To Terrorize Alberta?

In what could be considered the most interesting day on Twitter, the Calgary Flames manage to get the rumor mill churning about at Trade Deadline move that is shocking everyone.  Notorious jerk face and man about town, Sean Avery, has been rumored to be joining the Flames after the New York Rangers buried him in the AHL.  Currently throwing hissy fits on the Connecticut Whale, Avery is not exactly known for being a team player, however a few months ago the Flames showed interest in him and have again expressed it today.  For Avery to join the Flames, he would have to clear waivers and be signed over before Monday’s deadline.

The loudest voices on my Twitter timeline seem to be unhappy with this rumor. But I ask you to take a step back and think about what Sean Avery can do for the team.

• Avery is a pest.  Flames do not have a solid pest.  They have fighters but no one who can truly annoy the opposing team.  Avery would have been a benefit last night.  Mike Smith celebrated at the end of the game as if he had done something amazing, Flames barely knocked him around.  With Avery in front of the goal?  Well that would have brought a whole new level of challenges to Smith.
• Trading for Avery is a chance for the Flames to unload a contract or two.  When Avery comes up, a portion of his contract will be paid by the Dallas Stars, so the full financial burden will not be on the Flames.  In addition, Avery’s contract will be up at the end of the season.  He doesn’t have to stick around past April.
• Avery, when driven, is able to produce.  He’s a solid 3rd or 4th line that can get the puck in the zone.

Sean Avery is a PR nightmare.  He can be locker room poison.  I don’t think he has many friends left the NHL.  And I don’t think he’s even close to be welcome in Calgary the city after his comments about Dion Phanuef and his girlfriend.

BUT Avery could be the spark the team needs to push on through the playoffs.

Take it from someone who has watched Avery play for years, he does have his good qualities.  If the Flames are smart, they can benefit from acquiring Avery for the next for weeks.

And remember, keep calm everyone.  It’s not true until until Bob McKenzie say so. 

Go Flames Go!