It’s not everyday an All-Star is traded in the NHL.
But that’s exactly what happened today, when the Arizona Coyotes sent big John Scott to the Montreal Canadiens as part of a three-team deal that also involved the Nashville Predators.
The Canadiens, in addition to getting Scott, received 27-year-old defenseman Victor Bartley.
The Coyotes got 23-year-old defenseman Jarred Tinordi, plus minor-league forward Stefan Fournier.
The Predators got 24-year-old defenseman Stefan Elliott.
Obviously, Scott is the most recognizable name in the transaction. We all know he was voted an All-Star Game captain by the fans. We all know why that was done. The fans thought it would be funny. Because John Scott.
It’s not clear if Scott will still participate in the All-Star Game. He’s not a Coyote anymore, and he’s not in the Pacific Division.
(2/2)Réponse de la #LNH: "The League is evaluating how this trade impacts the Pacific Division roster for the 2016 All-Star Game." #CH #Habs
— Jonathan Bernier (@JBernierJDM) January 15, 2016
But from a pure hockey perspective, this deal is more about the other players. Elliott cleared waivers prior to the trade today and was assigned to the AHL. The Habs had been reluctant to expose Tinordi to waivers, lest they lose him for nothing. He’s only appeared in three games for Montreal this season, plus a conditioning stint in the minors.
The hope for the Coyotes will be that Tinordi can develop into the kind of player the Habs thought he would when they drafted him 22nd overall in 2010.
Elliott was a second-round pick in 2009 who had 40 points in 64 games last season for AHL Lake Erie. The Coyotes acquired him this summer from Colorado in exchange for Brandon Gormley.
Bartley was in the AHL when the trade went down, a victim of the Predators’ deep defense. Both him and Scott are expected to start with Montreal’s minor-league affiliate in St. John’s.
Update: Bartley has actually been recalled by the Habs:
Friday, January 15 - Canadiens recalled defenseman Victor Bartley from St. John's. He will join the team in St. Louis. #GoHabsGo
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) January 15, 2016
Also, don’t count on Scott playing in the All-Star Game:
The #habs sent John Scott to AHL St. John's and aren't likely to recall him. That would make him ineligible for the NHL all-star game.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 15, 2016
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
