SPORTSNET.CA

While the Dallas Stars have moved on without Sean Avery, it appears the gritty winger has not given up on playing again this season.

Sportsnet has learned that Avery plans to begin skating on his own in the next 7-10 days while he continues to receive professional counseling.

Sources say the Stars are now revisiting their options on what to do with the banished forward.

Avery has not stepped on the ice since early December when the league suspended him six games for making inappropriate comments before a game against the Calgary Flames.

Once his suspension was completed, the Stars announced Avery would not return to the club after several teammates and coach Dave Tippett spoke out about his negative influence in the locker room.

The Stars, who were in last place at the time, have gone 15-7-3 without Avery and have climbed back in the playoff picture in the Western Conference.