Avery sat out Dallas’ win at Calgary on Tuesday and again Wednesday when the Stars lost at Edmonton. He was denied by teammates to apologize to them, and his message of contrition Wednesday was distributed by his publicist.

On Tuesday morning, reporters were waiting to speak with Avery about his recent disparaging remarks concerning Flames star Jarome Iginla. Avery asked if a camera was present, and when told there was, said he was “just going to say one thing.”

“I’m really happy to be back in Calgary; I love Canada,” he said. “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.” He then walked out.

Avery’s ex-girlfriend, actress Elisha Cuthbert is dating Calgary defenseman Dion Phaneuf. She also had been romantically linked to Mike Komisarek of the Montreal Canadiens. Avery also dated Rachel Hunter, the former Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model who is the girlfriend of Los Angeles’ Jarret Stoll.

The Stars entered Friday with the fewest points in the Western Conference. Dallas coach Dave Tippett questioned whether Avery would be welcomed back.

“It’s up to us as a group to decide if that’s possible,” Hull said. “Anybody who uses him as an excuse for their poor play, I’m not sure I want them on my team.”

In 2005, Avery was cited for making derogatory comments about French-Canadian players and apologized after an NHL reprimand. Edmonton’s Georges Laraque, who is black, accused Avery of using a racial slur, which Avery denied. Avery also unleashed a profane tirade at an Anaheim Ducks television commentator.

Last season, Avery was fined $2,500 for two pregame skirmishes. During a playoff game, he face-guarded Devils goalie Martin Brodeur and waved his stick in front of him, prompting the league to outlaw such actions the next day. This season, Avery argued between periods with a cable network reporter at Madison Square Garden.

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