GLENDALE, Ariz. — The story of the NHL's most unlikely All-Star captain took another twist.
Scott went to the Canadiens with defenseman
"It's inconsequential, the All-Star Game, to this deal," Coyotes general manager Don Maloney said. "We're trying to make our team better and I think we did that today."
A fan campaign made Scott an All-Star captain, putting a player who had been waived three times this season alongside stars like Florida's Jaromir Jagr, Washington's Alex Ovechkin and Chicago's Patrick Kane.
The affable Scott — when he's not pounding opposing players with his massive body or fists — went along with the vote good-naturedly, saying he would honor the system and do his best at the Jan. 31 All-Star Game in Nashville.
Now his status for the game is in doubt.
Scott was sent to a team in the Eastern Conference and was immediately assigned to the St. John's of the AHL, leaving the NHL with a decision on what to do.
"The league is evaluating how this trade impacts the Pacific Division roster," the NHL said in a statement.
The 6-8, 270-pound Scott carved a niche for himself in the NHL, using his intimidation and fighting ability to protect star players on the six teams he's played for in nine NHL seasons.
Scott has five goals and 11 assists with 542 penalty minutes in 285 career NHL games. He had an assist in 11 games this season before the Coyotes demoted him to the AHL on Tuesday, though he never reported to Springfield as he and his wife, Danielle, awaited the birth of twins.
She was originally scheduled to have induced labor on the weekend of the All-Star game. She told USA TODAY Sports earlier this week that she had decided to delay induced labor long enough to give her husband the opportunity to play in the game. She said the couple's two daughters, her parents and her husband's parents were all planning to be in Nashville for the game.
"As he got votes, everyone was happy for him and as he kept getting votes, it wasn't a distraction at all," Maloney said. "We're happy that John ended up being elected with the way the rules our now, if you get voted in, you get voted in. I'm not sure what happens next."
Maloney said later Friday he expected another Coyote to be sent to the All-Star Game so the club would still be represented. Captain Shane Doan and rookie Max Domi would be logical picks.
The 23-year-old Tinordi appeared in three games with Montreal and had two assists in six games with St. John's of the AHL this season.
His addition gives the Coyotes eight defensemen on their roster after picking up Kevin Connauton on waivers from Columbus, providing depth and competition as they make a push toward the playoffs. Arizona has earned a point in 11 of their past 12 games, including eight wins, to move up to second in the Pacific Division.
"Everybody wants to play more," Coyotes coach Dave Tippett said. "We set ourselves up here to push for a playoff spot, so the more depth and more competition we have is better for everybody."
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