NHL creates new rules for post-John Scott All-Star Game eligibility

The NHL All-Star Fan Vote will be back, but with several stipulations that could prevent the next John Scott from becoming an international hero.

The league announced new requirements Monday, pertaining to the 2017 All-Star voting rules.

Once again, fans will select one player from each division (without regard for position), and each winner will be named an All-Star captain.

But, here's what's different this time around:

• Eligible players must be on an NHL club's active roster as of Nov. 1. Any player who's not - due to injury or special circumstances - can be added to the ballot if/when he returns.
• If a player is assigned or loaned to the American Hockey League (AHL) or any other minor-league team between Nov. 1 and 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 26, the player is ineligible. However, if the minor-league assignment/loan is due to conditioning reasons, the player remains eligible.
• If a vote leader is disqualified due to a minor-league assignment or loan (or other reason) after voting closes on Jan. 2, the player with the second-most votes in that division will be named captain.

The new guidelines were clearly a response to Scott's unlikely election to the game last winter, following an online movement that culminated in the enforcer captaining the Pacific Division, while scoring twice and being named MVP in Nashville.

All-Star weekend is scheduled for Jan. 28 and 29, 2017 in Los Angeles. Fans can begin voting Dec. 1.