Reports out of New York indicate that the New York Rangers’ bid to have pesky forward Sean Avery recalled to the team could be thwarted by its cross-town rivals.

According to the New York Post, New York Islanders general manager Garth Snow has been coy concerning the possibility of claiming Avery off waivers.

Though nothing is confirmed, it looks as though Avery will be a member of a New York hockey team sometime this week.

Avery, who started the season playing for Connecticut of the AHL, has stated his desire to return to the Rangers.

Last season, Garth Snow was involved in a similar situation when the Islanders picked up goaltender Evgeni Nabokov in January. Detroit had signed Nabokov to a one-year contract but the Islanders claimed him on waivers.

The Rangers are 4-3-3 and coming off a 5-2 win over the San Jose Sharks Monday. The Islanders are 3-4-2 and winless in their last five games.