John Scott allowed to play in NHL All-Star Game

John Scott will captain the Pacific Division team at the NHL All-Star Game in Nashville, the league announced Tuesday.

Scott, a veteran enforcer with fivegoals and542 penalty minutes in285 NHL games, was voted a starterby fans after an online campaign caught momentum.

But his eligibilityfellinto question after he was traded last Friday from the Pacific's Arizona Coyotes to the Atlantic Division'sMontreal Canadiens, and the Canadienssent him to their minor-league affiliate in St. John's, Nfld.

The NHL reportedly wanted Scott to bow out of the All-Star Game, but Scott refused and fans backed him on social media with aFreeJohnScott hashtag over the weekend.

The leaguesaid in a news release Tuesday that it reviewed the "unique circumstance" and decided to allow Scott to captain the Pacific team"in order to preserve all parties' pre-existing expectations, including Scott's desire to participate."

The release quoted Scott as saying:"I am looking forward to enjoying a fun and unique experience atAll-Star Weekend in Nashville with my family.While beingvoted to the All-Star Game by the fans was not something I expected tohappen, I am excited to participate in the All-Star events with my fellowplayers."

This year'sgame is moving to a new format. Teams from each of the league's four divisions will compete in a single-elimination three-on-three tournament with 20-minute games.

The eventtakesplace Jan. 31.