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Sharks' Scott ready to 'patrol the ice' with new team

John Russell / Getty

At San Jose Sharks training camp, John Scott got into a scuffle with Taylor Doherty during an intra-squad scrimmage after Doherty hit one of Scott's linemates, giving his new team a taste of what he brings to the ice.

“It was just one of those things. He hit my guy, I didn’t really care for it,” Scott told CSN Bay Area. “I gave him a little nudge. He slashed me and I kind of went after him. Cooler heads prevailed, and we went our separate ways.”

For his career, Scott has six points and 430 penalty minutes in 236 games, which speaks volumes about the style of game upon which he's built his career. He is well aware the role of the enforcer is changing, but still feels there is a place for someone with his skill-set in the NHL.

“It’s always going to be important I think to have guys patrol the ice,” Scott said. “I know no one likes to hear that, but we have skilled guys. Other (teams) have skilled guys. I don’t like when teams take liberties and take runs.”

Sharks coach Todd McLellan likes what he has seen from Scott thus far, praising the hulking winger for his positioning and hockey sense, while also adding that Scott's presence adds "an element of security."

“If someone goes out there and they know I’m on the other bench, I think they’re going to think twice about running around that game,” Scott said. “Whether it’s a clean hit or a dirty hit, I don’t think those guys are going to be as brave or as running around as much.”

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