Rangers Have Placed Sean Avery On Waivers

New York, NY (AP) - The New York Rangers have placed veteran forward Sean Avery on waivers.

The Rangers made the move Friday before their 4-1 win at Florida. The Rangers could assign him to their AHL affiliate, the Connecticut Whale, if he goes unclaimed by noon Saturday.

Avery hasn't played in nine straight games and was waived for the second time this season. He has three goals in 15 games.

"We're getting healthier," Rangers coach John Tortorella said. "This team is getting healthier, so it comes down to a numbers game."

The move means Avery will not play in the Winter Classic on Jan. 2 at Philadelphia.

"Sean's a good friend," Brandon Prust said. "It's sad to see him go, but those are decisions that are out of our hands. Obviously we hope he does well and he's going to keep working hard and try to get back up here."

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.