My Case For John Scott
February 07, 2016 | Sports,
By: Isaac Jahns
If you’re not an avid follower of the NHL, specifically the Arizona Coyotes, you most likely had never heard of John Scott before – until the past few weeks. The journeyman defenseman with more career penalty minutes than points somehow found his way onto the All-Star roster as the captain of the Pacific Division, due to a large movement from Coyotes fans on the online All-Star fan vote. The NHL did not enjoy this, and a few days after the selection Scott was traded out of the Pacific to the Montreal Canadiens and promptly sent down to the AHL. Trades are quite rare in the NHL and almost never seen at the time it was made, so the prompt dealing and demotion of Scott seemed quite suspicious. Scott did play, though, and his two-goal performance for the champion Pacific division earned him MVP honors, which included a brand new Honda and a check for $1,000,000. After the game, though, Scott’s time in the spotlight was bound to quickly fade. I, however, want to make the case for John Scott’s re-promotion to the NHL.
It all starts with Scott’s current organization, the Canadiens. After starting the season as the best team in the league, star goalie Carey Price went down with an injury and the resulting slump has seen Montreal fall out of the top eight entirely. Until Price can return, Montreal is in damage control mode – and it hasn’t been working thus far. It’s time for a desperation move, and the call-up of Scott could do just that. A confident, rejuvenated Scott still wouldn’t come close to the caliber of Montreal’s top defender P.K. Subban and he’d most likely get limited playing time, but he can bring a sense of excitement and confidence to a team that desperately needs it. The main fix for Montreal will come when Price is able to return, and his return may take Scott’s roster spot. So be it. The Canadiens just need to get by until he comes back, and a boost of energy in the form of a 6’8” All-Star Game MVP is just what the doctor ordered. Scott can plug the middle, light up anyone on the ice, and drop the gloves with any player in the NHL. However, he’s not fast, has stickhandling abilities akin to mine, and has a whopping five goals to his NHL career. His journeyman reputation is deserved. His All-Star appearance isn’t. But his performance in said game proved his skill and passion for the game of hockey, which Montreal desperately needs. If Montreal listens to my advice, they just might be able to save their season after all.