Demand John Scott his rightful entry to the 2016 NHL All-Star Game

John Scott is a veteran enforcer in the NHL. While he is not a very talented player (five goals in his career) he is an excellent enforcer , using his size of 6'8, 259 lbs. A fan favorite, he has been voted to represent his team's division (The Pacific Division) in the 2016 NHL All Star Game. He received the most votes from fans, and was selected to participate because of this. Reports have surfaced that both the NHL and his own team, the Arizona Coyotes, had each asked him to respectfully decline his nomination, that a "better" player may participate, generating more money for the league. John Scott accepted his nomination, and was set to play in Nashville for the 2016 All Star Game. Shortly after voting ended, the NHL announced they would not let the fans vote for entrants next year. On January 15th, 2016, John Scott was traded to the Montreal Canadiens as part of a three team deal (Coyotes, Canadiens, Predators). The Montreal Canadiens wanted to trade Jarred Tinordi, who was set to become a free agent this offseason. The Coyotes, embarrassed by Scott's ASG nomination, pushed to have him included in the deal. The Coyotes could have avoided having John Scott play if they sent him to their minor league affiliate, but, afraid of whiplash from the fans, traded him instead.


According to NHL reporter Bob MacKenzie: Even if the National Hockey League were to declare a player who is in the minors, playing for St. John's in the American Hockey League, or a player who is playing in the Atlantic Division, could still be the captain of the Pacific Division All-Star team, I don't see that happening for the very simple reason that I believe John Scott, at this point, has had enough, and that he will almost certainly be bowing out of the National Hockey League All-Star Game.

"Prior to this, John Scott was asked by both the National Hockey League and the Arizona Coyotes to reconsider his decision to accept a spot on the team that was awarded to him by a fan vote. He refused to do that.

"I can tell you that the Montreal Canadiens had no interest whatsoever in getting John Scott in this trade. The Arizona Coyotes wanted him to be included. You can draw your own conclusions from that. A lot of people have conspiracy theories. Whatever the case may be, but it was Arizona who wanted him in this trade, not the Montreal Canadiens."

Well, there you have it. Not only has John Scott been removed from the All Star Game, a game he was voted by the fans to be included in, but now he is stuck in the Canadiens' minor league affiliate, where he isn't likely to play in the NHL anytime soon. John Scott deserves now, at the very least, his rightful inclusion to the 2016 All Star Game, despite the NHL's best efforts to prevent him from playing.Thank you for reading, please sign this petition! For hockey, and for John Scott!