Dec. 15 (Bloomberg) -- Sean Avery won’t play again for the Dallas Stars because his off-ice conduct had become a “huge distraction” to the team.

The 28-year-old forward was suspended six games by the National Hockey League on Dec. 5 for derogatory comments about an ex-girlfriend, actress Elisha Cuthbert,

“Not only has it seemed to not work with Sean and his teammates, and maybe even the city of Dallas, but the team wasn’t playing well and then, on top of it, the issues that came out off the ice compounded things,” Stars co-General Manager Brett Hull said on a media conference call. “I’m disappointed. I would imagine he is disappointed.”

The Stars, last in the Western Conference with an 11-14-4 record, said they would continue to honor Avery’s contract as the club explores its options. He signed a four-year, $15.5 million deal before the season.

Avery is voluntarily participating in a 10-day treatment program, Hull said. When he completes the counseling, the Stars may trade him, assign him to the minor leagues or a European team, or buy out the remainder of his contract.

“There’s no question he can be a valuable asset on a hockey team,” Hull said. “That being said, he’s got to fix those demons he has before that can happen. It becomes such a huge distraction that it almost takes away from his ability to play the game.”

Derogatory Remark

Before a Dec. 2 game against Calgary, Avery told team officials he wouldn’t talk with the media and then used a derogatory term when talking to reporters about Cuthbert, who was dating Flames defenseman Dion Phaneuf.

The NHL suspended Avery three days later for comments “detrimental” to the sport.

The Stars’ decision to part ways with Avery, who’s twice led the NHL in penalty minutes, came a day after his suspension ended. Avery had three goals, seven assists and a team-high 77 penalty minutes in 23 games for Dallas this season.

“We brought Sean in because we thought he could help us on the ice,” Hull said. “Sure, we knew there was going to be bumps in the road and he is what he is. But I also thought that could bring a little bit of a change in our locker room and on the ice, which I thought might have been missing a little bit. Obviously it went a little bit overboard and didn’t work out.”

Avery, who has 1,144 penalty minutes in his eight-year NHL career, has also played with the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers.

To contact the reporter on this story: Erik Matuszewski in New York at matuszewski@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: December 15, 2008 00:13 EST