Earlier this month, it was reported the NHL was looking to ensure another ‘John Scott to the All-Star game situation’ wouldn’t happen. Now, new rules have put into place that disqualifies players of Scott’s caliber from attending the game.
Here’s a summary of the new rules (per Sportsnet)
• The 2017 NHL all-star fan vote will allow fans to vote for one all-star player from each Division, without regard to position. The top vote-getter from each division will be named an NHL all-star, as well as captain of his respective team.
• Eligible players must be on an NHL club’s active roster as of Nov. 1. Any player not on the active roster on that date due to injury or special circumstances can be added to the ballot if / when he returns to the NHL club’s active roster.
• If a player is assigned / loaned to the American Hockey League or any other minor league team between Nov. 1 and 5 p.m. on Jan. 26, the player is not eligible in all-star balloting. However, if the minor league assignment / loan is due to conditioning reasons, the player remains eligible.
• In the event a vote leader is disqualified due to a minor league assignment or loan (or other reason) after close of the NHL all-star fan vote on Jan. 2, the player with the second-most votes in that division will be named captain.
• Fans will be permitted to vote for a player from a list of all players that meet these eligibility guidelines. The list of eligible players will be updated as players are assigned to a minor league team or return from IR.
The rules restrict fans from picking a fringe NHLer and making them an All-Star. The NHL sure knows how to take fun from the game. John Scott making the event last season was one of the best five moments of the entire season. For the league to actively want to get rid of the option is a nice f u to fans.
I get the league’s side – they want premiere talent in the game and not non-marketable AHLers. But, to put restrictions on a fan event is asinine. Let the game be fun, not predictable boringness.
