Sean Avery’s Fiery Podcast Rant Targets NHL Youth Reliance and Coaching
Even though Sean Avery last skated in the NHL back in 2012, his knack for stirring controversy remains as sharp as ever. The former winger carved out a tumultuous decade-long career, amassing 580 games while building a legacy that compelled the league to implement new rules. Known for his unpredictable antics, Avery famously stood in front of opposing goalies with his back to the play, waving his arms in a way that led to the creation of “the Sean Avery rule.” Now, he’s trading in his skates for a microphone, unleashing verbal critiques that resonate throughout the hockey community.
Avery Takes Aim at NHL Executives
On September 23, Avery appeared on the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast, primarily to promote a new book he co-authored. However, it didn’t take long for him to turn his attention to NHL executives, delivering scathing commentary with little provocation. Alongside hosts Paul Bissonnette, Ryan Whitney, and Keith Yandle, Avery criticized the league’s increasing reliance on young players barely out of junior hockey.
In today’s salary-cap era, teams often opt to stash underdeveloped teenagers on the bottom lines instead of investing in seasoned veterans. This cost-saving tactic, he argued, diminishes the quality of play. With the New York Rangers on his mind after an earlier discussion about their roster, Avery shifted some blame toward coaching, particularly zeroing in on Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan, who served as an assistant during Avery’s final seasons in New York.
Avery’s Critique of Coaching
“The future does not look bright in New York,” Avery expressed candidly. “I mean, Mike Sullivan, one dope hire. He’s a [expletive] dope, okay? In my opinion. Now, I don’t know, maybe he’s changed and he connects with these young guys now.” His sharp words reflect a broader concern about the direction of the team and the league as a whole.
As the conversation progressed, the former NHL players acknowledged a troubling trend: the decline of physical play in the regular season, which they attributed to the influx of younger players and a shift away from traditional hockey’s rugged mentality. Avery lamented the days when a longtime executive like Glenn Sather could convey disapproval with nothing more than a disdainful glance. “I mean, the days of getting on the bus and having Glenn Sather, like, side eye you because he’s just disgusted with how you played. He doesn’t say anything. Just disgusted,” he recalled. “And you know, man, if this guy wakes up in the middle of the night tonight and he had a bad dream, I could be [expletive] gone. You know, just that’s it.”
Avery Slams Current Management
To further illustrate his frustrations, Avery took aim at Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams, initially misnaming him as “Kevin Allen” until the podcast hosts corrected him. “Kevyn Adams? He wasn’t even … I played a lot against him. He’s so un-[expletive]-memorable, I didn’t even know his last name,” Avery remarked. “But like, if I’m, uh, [Sabres owner Terry] Pagula, I’m not giving the keys to the castle to that guy. I need [expletive] more accountability and I need it from top to bottom in the organization.”
These candid, off-the-cuff remarks highlight Avery’s unfiltered perspective on the state of the NHL, emphasizing a desire for accountability and a return to the sport’s more rugged roots. In a league that has evolved significantly since his playing days, Avery’s insights serve as a provocative reminder of the complexities surrounding youth involvement and coaching dynamics in professional hockey.
