KINGS: AVERY TRADED TO RANGERS.

Byline: RICH HAMMOND Staff Writer

The often-volatile partnership between Sean Avery and the Kings ended Monday, when Avery was traded to the New York Rangers for two unsigned prospects and winger Jason Ward.

In exchange for Avery, 26, who will be a restricted free agent this summer, and prospect John Seymour, the Kings acquired Marc-Andre Cliche, a well-regarded 19-year-old forward, prospect Jan Marek and Ward, a 28-year-old journeyman forward who will be an unrestricted free agent his summer.

During his four years with the Kings, Avery provided gritty play and a strong desire to win but repeatedly clashed with coaches, teammates and opponents and often proved to be a divisive presence.

Avery made his name by dating Hollywood actresses, leading the NHL in penalty minutes and making brash comments, including those in 2005, when he questioned the toughness of French-Canadian players.

That changed a bit this season, after team president and general manager Dean Lombardi demanded that Avery's attitude change. Avery mostly stayed away from reporters, played well and rehabilitated his image enough to draw the interest of several teams as the Feb. 27 trade deadline approached.

``He made marked improvement,'' Lombardi said. ``Sometimes a player just takes time to mature. ``When I got here last summer, there wasn't much of a market for Sean Avery. He's made progress. If he keeps on the straight and narrow, he can be a good piece, especially for a team going for the playoffs.''

The Kings were believed to have sought a first-round draft pick for Avery but apparently reduced their demands. The Kings, in last place in the Western Conference, are active sellers on the trade market.

It might take a while to sort out this trade. Cliche caught the Kings' eye because he's a junior-level teammate of goalie Jonathan Bernier, their first-round pick last year. Cliche represented Canada in this year's world junior tournament and Lombardi said the Kings will attempt to sign Cliche next month.

Marek, 27, spent eight seasons playing professionally in the Czech Republic and is in his first season with the pro league in Russia.

Ward is expected to join the Kings in time for tonight's game at Tampa Bay.

``(Cliche) impressed us,'' Lombard said. ``It's a chance to get a good young player who can grow with the other good young players we have acquired.''

In 2003, the Kings hoped Avery would be one of those players. They acquired him from Detroit just before the trade deadline, but Avery alienated some with his brashness and willingness to speak freely.

Over the years, Avery has lashed out against his coaches, opponents, NHL officials, players' union officials and media members; been fined for diving and then fined for complaining about the fine.

Last season was the breaking point. Avery's disparaging comments about French-Canadian players caused a rift in his own dressing room, and he was accused of using a racial slur on the ice. Finally, after an on-ice confrontation with assistant coach Mark Hardy, Avery was unofficially kicked off the team.

Lombardi met with Avery after the season and was told to clean up his act. Avery received a $1.1 million contract, has score 10 goals with 18 assists and cut down on his frequency of bad penalties.

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