from Larry Brooks of the NY Post,
Slap Shots has learned that Sather late last week granted permission to Avery’s agent, Pat Morris, to negotiate with any interested NHL team in advance of Tuesday’s official opening of the free-agent market.
Sources confirm that not only is that process under way, but that four or five teams have indicated their interest in signing Avery to a contract well in excess of the last deal proffered by Sather to No. 16. It’s believed the Rangers have come in at approximately $1M a year less than the four-year, $16M deal Avery is seeking and will be able to get.
