Rangers Acquire John Scott

New York Rangers Acquire: John Scott Chicago Blackhawks Acquire: Fifth-Round Draft Pick In 2012

Review:

Heading up to the NHL Trade Deadline, the New York Rangers were rumored to be very active buyers. Despite having many significant discussions with other clubs around the National Hockey League, Rangers GM Glen Sather decided to ultimately keep the team intact and make just one minor deal to bring in a depth defenseman. That depth defenseman was found in the form of a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks who moved John Scott to the Rangers for a 5th-Round Draft Choice in 2012. 

Scott is one of the toughest players in the National Hockey League, and at 6’8, 270 pounds, he’s one of the most intimidating as well. He will never be mistaken for an offensive juggernaut or a defensive stalwart, but with minimal ice-time he can get along just fine. What he does bring to the table is a presence that is felt by everyone. Whether he’s on the ice or on the bench, he will prevent opponents from taking liberties with Ranger players because they'll know that Scott will be right there to make them pay. When the gloves do eventually come off, Scott is one of the best fighters in the league. According to hockeyfights.com, Scott has won all 25 fights he’s taken part in during his NHL career. It should come as no surprise that he’s been considered the ‘heavyweight champion’ of the National Hockey League for the past year or so. For the New York Rangers, who already lead the NHL in total team fights, the ‘rich have gotten richer’ in terms of team toughness. I expect Scott to take a role as a seventh defenseman for the club, and will be placed into the line-up in games where physicality will be a key element. 

The Chicago Blackhawks had made a move earlier in the day that saw them acquire Johnny Oduya, which made Scott the odd-man-out. With players like Bryan Bickell, Andrew Shaw, and Jamal Mayers stepping up with improved physicality, the Blackhawks felt that Scott had become expendable for that purpose as well. Blackhawk fans had speculated that he’d be placed on waivers, but were pleasantly surprised that they were able to get something in-return for the twenty-nine year old defenseman.

This was a solid deal for both sides as the Rangers were able to add to their defensive depth and team toughness, and the Blackhawks were able to dump an unneeded player for a draft pick.