Sean Avery has always been known to be a pesky, perhaps even annoying, presence in the NHL. However, after making a snide, backhanded remark to the press on Tuesday, Avery may find himself in deeper trouble than he’s been in at any point in his career. Avery was meant to discuss his earlier remarks about Jarome Iginla with the press (in which Avery said, “nobody cares about Jarome Iginla.”), when he instead said, “I’m just going to say one thing. I’m really happy to be back in Calgary; I love Canada, I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my (former girlfriends). I don’t know what that’s about, but enjoy the game tonight.”

It’s not clear who Avery directed this comment at. Both Dion Phaneuf of the Calgary Flames, and Mike Komisarek of the Montreal Canadiens have been said to have had relationships with Elisha Cuthbert, an ex-girlfriend of Avery’s. Also, Jarrett Stoll, a center on the Los Angeles Kings, is currently dating Rahcel Hunter, who had previously been in a relationship with Avery. In any scenario, Avery’s statement can be taken at a jab at many members of the league. Because of the implications this quote had, the league’s harsh suspension may have been due partly to protect Avery from the wrath of other hockey players. Earlier this year, Chicago Blackhawks tough-guy Ben Eager was suspended for swinging at Avery with his stick.

Either way, this suspension merely adds to an already disappointing 2008-2009 season for the Dallas Stars. The Stars, sporting a 9-11-4 record, are in last place in the Pacific Division, 21 points behind the San Jose Sharks in point total. Heading into the season, this looked to be a team to keep an eye on, with such talented players as Mike Modano, Mike Ribeiro, Mark Parrish and Loui Eriksson. However, Avery’s uninspired performance this season (only three goals, seven assists recorded), has been a contributing factor to this team’s lack of success. Avery talks a big game off the ice, but his lackluster results thus-far haven’t gained him any supportive teammates during the suspension.

“We expect that out of him like we have all year,” said Dallas goaltender Marty Turco. “You know, the show continues.”

Perhaps more importantly, Stars team owner Tom Hicks has come out with a statement claiming that if the league hadn’t come down with such a harsh suspension, he would have.

“I completely support the league’s decision to suspend Sean Avery. Had the league not have suspended him, the Dallas Stars would have. This organization will not tolerate such behavior, especially from a member of our hockey team. We hold our team to a higher standard and will continue to do so.”

We all know that Avery is a brash, arrogant public figure, but if he wants a long career in the NHL he’ll have to learn how to conduct himself off the ice.