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John Scott All-Star Game: NHL Has Golden Opportunity

By Ryan Ritchie

Dec 4, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing John Scott (28) looks for the puck during the first period against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing John Scott (28) looks for the puck during the first period against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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John Scott All-Star Game: NHL Has Opportunity to Fix Mistake Following Trade

Friday brought complications to the John Scott All-Star Game saga. In a bit of an odd move, Montreal sent 2010 first rounder Jarred Tinordi and prospect Stefan Fournier to Arizona in exchange for defenseman Stefan Elliott and 2016 All-Star John Scott. Montreal then proceeded to flip Stefan Elliott to Nashville for defenseman Victor Bartley. 

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It seems the Montreal Canadiens are giving up on their highly-touted defensive prospect that never quite reached his potential. He’ll be given a new start in the desert, and given plenty of opportunities to succeed. This one could hurt for Montreal down the road. It’s difficult to identify if a player is going to work out, especially young defenders that take longer to develop. In these situations, teams are hoping their not giving up on the next Thomas Hickey.

Stefan Elliott is an offensively gifted puck-moving defenseman already on his third team after failing to pan out in Colorado and Arizona. He had six points in 19 games this season prior to the trade.

Victor Bartley, headed to Montreal, has only played one NHL game this season for Nashville, but is coming off 10 assists in 37 games in 2014-15. He could add bottom pair depth for Montreal down the stretch.

John Scott All-Star Game Complications

After the NHL’s fans decided to send a message to the league by making a mockery of its voting process, the situation is further complicated. It seems the Montreal Canadiens now have two all-star’s, while Arizona Coyotes fans are once again getting the short end of the stick.

Let’s be honest, one of Oliver Ekman-Larsson or Max Domi were far more deserving of John Scott’s place. While the NHL chose to honor the fans selection, they may now have a chance to make right what could be an embarrassing situation.

Not everyone agrees with the NHL’s insistence that one player from each team must be represented, but the league can certainly use that to their advantage. Ekman-Larsson is most deserving of an All-Star selection, but given the set rosters with John Scott being a forward, Max Domi is the next best replacement.

Next: John Scott: All-Star Game Voting Absurdity

Should the NHL use this opportunity to fix their mistake, and give a deserving Arizona Coyotes player a spot? Or, is the NHL obligated to honor its original decision to allow John Scott to take part in the festivities?  Just when it seemed that things couldn’t get any worse for the league – The John Scott All-Star Game plot thickens in what can only be describes as self-inflicted wounds by the NHL.

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