Coyotes GM insists Scott deal had nothing to do with All-Star status
Arizona Coyotes general manager Don Maloney apparently wasn't considering the All-Star Game when he traded away forward John Scott, who was set to captain the Pacific Division after being voted in by fans.
Related: Canadiens acquire All-Star Scott for Tinordi in 3-team trade
Following the hectic sequence that saw a three-way trade unfold Friday between the Coyotes, the Nashville Predators, and the Montreal Canadiens, a report from TSN's Bob McKenzie suggested the enforcer's unlikely All-Star status may have been a factor in the move.
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
The Coyotes GM, however, insists the deal that sent Scott to the Canadiens had nothing to do with the All-Star Game.
"We're in the business of looking after the Coyotes," Maloney said, according to Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic.
Maloney is sure his team will have a representative at the game, however, adding that he already received a call from Colin Campbell, the league's director of hockey operations.
Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin touted Scott's experience.
"John Scott is a seasoned veteran with 285 NHL games under his belt," Bergevin said in a statement. "He will bring experience to our group of forwards with the (AHL's) IceCaps in St. John's."
Scott was set to be the Coyotes' lone representative in the All-Star Game. It's not clear who will represent the team in his place.