Avery Suspended Indefinitely by NHL for Crude Line

"Sean said something that just doesn't paint our organization in a good light, and appropriate steps are being taken."

The Stars signed him in hopes that his grittiness would boost last season's Western Conference finalists. Instead, the injury-riddled Stars came into Tuesday with only 20 points, fewest in the West and near the bottom of the NHL. Avery had 77 penalty minutes in 23 games. He also had three goals and seven assists.

"I've told him before, there's more to the game than just lacing up the skates," Hull said. "There are things you have to be accountable for."

Avery and Iginla were to meet on the ice for the first time since Avery told ESPN "the NHL does a terrible job of marketing" by not promoting its "villains," and that "nobody cares about Jarome Iginla and guys like that, they're just not exciting enough."

The Stars and Flames meet three more times. Next is Feb. 3 in Dallas; the Stars return to Calgary on March 18.

"We expect that out of him like we have all year," said goaltender Marty Turco, who was critical of Avery's agitation of Brodeur during the playoffs when it happened. "You know, the show continues."

There is no guarantee that Avery will be able to repair the damage he caused within the Stars' dressing room.

"It's going to take some time," teammate Mike Modano said. "It's a situation we'll have to address when that time comes, if it does."

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