Avery - Can Someone Please Explain?

Here's an article that addresses the subject by Larry Brooks in today's 
  Post.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/05112008/s****ts/rangers/athers_hard_line_on_avery_will_cost_rang_110412.htm

For weeks, I've tried every which way to wrap my brain around what 
possible benefit there is to NOT signing him, and I'm not coming up with 
any.

Can someone please explain the rationale behind Sather's thinking here?

Thanks,
Chaz