NHL Latest News, Rumors: Canadiens Recall Former All-Star MVP John Scott
The Montreal Canadiens pulled off a surprise with only three games left in the regular season by recalling All-Star MVP and well-loved player John Scott. The enforcer made headlines in the last NHL All-Star Game when an overwhelming number of fan votes via the internet made him a participant and even designated him as the Pacific Division captain.
The 33-year old actually has been playing for the St. John IceCaps, the Canadiens' affiliate in the AHL, where he appeared in 27 games so far, producing four points and 85 penalty minutes, according to USA Today.
The question now is why in the world are the Canadiens recalling him if their season is all but over, plus the fact that they're out of the postseason? Well, it actually makes sense in terms of publicity, with management trying to give the fans what they want and in order to at least minimize the frustrations of another disappointing season.
Montreal is scheduled to face the Florida Panthers next, and although they once again are expected to lose that game, there will be a lot of anticipation since Scott may be given some time to play. It's literally a no-bearing game for both squads because the Panthers are already in.
Scott became an overnight sensation when he participated in the All-Star Game through fan vote, and then surprisingly played well, earning him MVP honors. His story reached a certain level of popularity that he even was offered to have it made into a movie.
And while there is a lot of uncertainty as to how his career plays out after this season, it is certain that his fans will follow him wherever he plays. But then again, his future still depends on his performance on ice rather than his popularity. It is likely he's going back to the AHL, but no one really knows how it will play out in the last three games of this season.
