SI Players, Jan. 12, 2009 Update

IT'S IRONIC that Sean Avery, the Stars winger so disdainful of romantic "sloppy seconds," has himself been so reliant on second chances. His latest came last weekend, when Dallas placed him on waivers—Avery's first step toward finding a new NHL home.

Avery, 28, has not played since Dec. 2, when he smirked into a TV camera and referred to former girlfriends Elisha Cuthbert and Rachel Hunter—who were in relationships with other NHL players—with his infamous phrase. The NHL banned him for six games and ordered him to undergo anger-management counseling; the Stars, though still obligated to pay Avery, sent him home indefinitely.

Avery completed his counseling and on Monday cleared waivers, freeing the Stars to assign him to any AHL team. One that may take him is the Hartford Wolf Pack, an affiliate of the New York Rangers—who are reportedly considering bringing Avery back after letting him leave as a free agent last summer. The Rangers' lineup could use more energy and grit. In the NHL, if you're chasing a playoff spot, anyone might look like he deserves a second chance.

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GREG NELSON

STAR BURST Avery will be back on the ice, but not in Dallas.