Bettman: Avery's remarks were offensive

Stars winger was kicked off team

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman harshly criticized Sean Avery on Tuesday, calling the combative forward's crude remark about ex-girlfriends dating other hockey players offensive and disgusting.

Avery was only 23 games into a $15.5 million, four-year deal with Dallas when Bettman suspended him for the Dec. 2 remark. He was eligible to return from his six-game ban Sunday, but the Stars instead announced Avery will not rejoin the team -- ever.

Speaking to a luncheon crowd, Bettman said Avery's remark offended him as a parent.

"To be perfectly honest I wouldn't want to have to explain to my 12-year-old daughter what he said," the commissioner said.

Bettman said he hasn't spoken to the Stars but said they've handled the situation professionally, given the team has continued to pay Avery's salary while it explores other options.

When he was suspended, Avery told the Stars he needed help dealing with anger issues.

Co-general manager Brett Hull said Sunday that Avery was in a 10-day, voluntary program that could be extended if counselors determine he needs a longer stay.

Avery, a two-time league leader in penalty minutes, prides himself on doing and saying things to irritate his foes. He savors his reputation as the NHL's most-hated player and contrasts it with a well-publicized interest in fashion. He's dated actresses, been written up in People magazine and spent this summer as intern for Vogue magazine. The fact he has a publicist makes him unique among NHL players.

Although Avery had been fined and NHL rules were changed because of his antics, he had never been suspended by the league until this month, when Bettman punished him only hours after his now-infamous line.

WILD'S GABORIK PLANS TO PLAY TODAY: Marian Gaborik is set to return to the Minnesota Wild.

The star right wing says he is planning to play tonight at Xcel Energy Center against the Calgary Flames.

Gaborik suffered an unspecified injury to his lower body and has missed the last 27 games since appearing on Oct. 14.

BLUE JACKETS SEND NORRENA TO SYRACUSE: The Columbus Blue Jackets assigned goaltender Fredrik Norrena to the club's American Hockey League affiliate in Syracuse on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old Norrena appeared in eight games with the Blue Jackets this season, compiling a 1-3-2 record with a 3.16 goals-against average. He made 25 saves in a 4-3 overtime loss at the New York Islanders in his last outing Nov. 3.

SABRES LOSE D RIVET, ROOKIE F GERBE TO INJURIES: Buffalo Sabres rookie forward Nathan Gerbe will miss about two weeks because of an upper body injury.