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John Tortorella: Rangers 'Have Better Players Than Sean Avery'

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) — Tell us how you really feel, Torts.

Sean Avery has lost out on the Rangers' final roster spot -- and New York's coach wasn't about to mince words Tuesday.

"I think we have better players than Sean Avery — plain and simple," John Tortorella said. "I can dodge it 10 different ways without trying to run Sean over. I thought he had a good camp."

The noted agitator was placed on waivers after being beaten out by fellow forward Erik Christensen. Avery could end up on another NHL team if claimed Wednesday, on the Rangers' AHL affiliate in Connecticut, or loaned to a team in Europe.

Avery was a healthy scratch for New York's final exhibition games in Slovakia and Switzerland. The Rangers open the regular season this week with games in Sweden.

"I think with the makeup of our team, and some of the people we've added, and some of the youth we've added as far as depth put Sean in this spot," Tortorella said.

Avery is entering the final year of his contract, which carries a $1.93 million cap hit for the Rangers. New York and Dallas split payments on Avery's $4 million salary.

If Avery goes unclaimed, the Rangers could send him to the AHL and have his salary come off their cap.

Do you agree with Tortorella's assessment of Avery? Let us know in the comments below...

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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