Avery Suspended Indefinitely by NHL for Crude Line

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

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.

Teammates were in the locker room when Avery spoke Tuesday, but didn't necessarily hear his interview. Told what he said, most were not surprised.

"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."

Avery broke into the NHL in 2001-02 with Detroit. He was traded to the Kings during the following season, then was sent to the Rangers in 2007, with his arrival sparking a playoff run. Although he then matched his career best in goals with 15 in 2007-08, the Rangers didn't try bringing him back. His tenure ended with a lacerated spleen against Pittsburgh, which required a stay in intensive care.

Avery makes $3.5 million this season and $4 million each of the next three years. His Dallas contract also includes a limited no-trade clause.

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