Apologies to those hoping to watch John Scott lumber his way through the NHL’s 3-on-3 All-Star tournament later this month. It appears Scott will not be joining the league’s best and brightest in Nashville, Tenn.
The 33-year-old tough guy was traded Friday from the Arizona Coyotes to the Montreal Canadiens, who subsequently assigned him to their American Hockey League affiliate in St. John.
All-Star voters comically elected Scott as captain of the Pacific Division’s contingent — despite the fact that he’s played in just 11 games this season and tallied a mere one assist — but his current status as an AHLer reportedly will render him ineligible to participate in the festivities.
The #habs sent John Scott to AHL St. John's and aren't likely to recall him. That would make him ineligible for the NHL all-star game.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 15, 2016
That, according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, is what the NHL was hoping for all along.
John Scott was previously asked by both NHL and Arizona Coyotes to bow out of NHL All-Star Game. He refused. Trade likely takes care of that
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 15, 2016
At this point, even if Scott isn't deemed ineligible by NHL, he would almost certainly bow out of ASG on his own.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 15, 2016
Since Scott was the Coyotes’ lone All-Star representative, one of his former teammates likely will be tabbed to take his place. Rookie Max Domi and captain Shane Doan could be candidates, but defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson is most deserving, despite the fact that choosing him would throw off the Pacific’s roster balance. (Each of the four divisions has six forwards, three D-men and two goalies.)
In exchange for Scott and defenseman Victor Bartley, Arizona acquired defenseman Jarred Tinordi and forward Stefan Fournier.
Thumbnail photo via Timothy T. Ludwig/USA TODAY Sports Images
