Thornton’s injury was result of altercation

What started as a playful altercation between the Kings’ Scott Thornton and Sean Avery ended with Thornton suffering a broken left wrist on Dec. 29, sources close to the team said.

The two were “horsing around” when Avery kicked a workout ball at Thornton, who then punched Avery in the back, resulting in the injury. Thornton is out at least another week with the injury.

The sources said the incident was not an angry confrontation, citing as evidence that Avery was unhurt in the exchange with the much larger Thornton.

Avery’s standing in the team’s dressing room has improved this season. Still, while he has kept a lower profile -- on and off the ice -- Avery still causes some teammates to shake their heads.

For example, he is part of a small faction of players who remain unhappy with the vote that elected Ted Saskin executive director of the NHL Players’ Assn. Avery recently gave a presentation on the subject, leaving a few teammates wondering why the issue is still being pursued.

A year ago, teammates had grown weary of the numerous distractions Avery created through his actions, including an incident in which he refused to perform a drill during practice and then-assistant coach Mark Hardy ordered him off the ice. Avery’s season ended shortly thereafter when the team unofficially suspended him with only three games left.

This season, Avery has been comparatively quiet, becoming a more effective third-line player in the process. He reduced the amount of time he spends in the penalty box, though he continues to take some ill-advised penalties. Still, while he leads the team with 91 penalty minutes, he is unlikely to lead the NHL, something he did the last two seasons.

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Avery has been penalized for diving four times since October, but it has yet to hit him in the wallet. The NHL implemented harsher penalties this season, with a $1,000 fine for the second offense and a possible suspension for the third offense.

Those penalties are discretionary, a league official said.

Avery, who was called for diving against the Edmonton Oilers in Monday’s game and against the Detroit Red Wings Saturday night, said the league had not contacted him. He was also called for diving against the New York Rangers on Oct. 30 and against the Phoenix Coyotes on Oct. 19.

TONIGHT

vs. San Jose, 7:30, FSNW

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 1150.

Records -- Kings 16-22-6, Sharks 28-15.

Record vs. Sharks -- 2-3-0.

Update -- The Sharks, who have the NHL’s top power play, were scoreless on 10 power plays in their last three games against the Kings, who rank 29th in the league on penalty kill.

Tickets -- (888) 546-4752.

chris.foster@latimes.com