Wed Jul 2 14:36:13 2008

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Avery takes his act to Big D

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Dallas, TX (Sports Network) - The Dallas Stars made a surprise addition to their lineup on Wednesday, signing unrestricted free-agent forward Sean Avery to a four-year contract.

The deal will be worth $15.5 million for the duration. Avery is set to receive $3.5 million next season and $4 million in each of the remaining three years of the contract.

"We are excited about the opportunity to add a player like Sean Avery to our group," said Stars co-general manager Brett Hull. "His ability to play the game with skill and tenacity makes us a better team and is a great complement to the players we have here."

Avery, one of the NHL's leading antagonists, posted 15 goals, 33 points and 154 penalty minutes in 57 games last regular season for the New York Rangers -- one which was cut short by a left shoulder separation. He contributed four goals and seven points in eight playoff contests before succumbing to a ruptured spleen in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

With a reputation for getting under the skin of opponents and sometimes his own teammates, Avery was invaluable to the Blueshirts over his one-plus season tenure in Manhattan. The Rangers were 50-20-16 with the 28-year-old in the lineup and only 9-13-3 without his services.

In 379 career games with the Red Wings, Kings and Rangers, Avery has collected 65 goals, 167 points and 1,067 minutes in penalties.