Former Blackhawks player John Scott is introduced to fans during the team’s convention on July 26, 2019, in Chicago. (Amr Alfiky/AP)
Former Chicago Blackhawks enforcer and “Dropping the Gloves” podcaster John Scott knew what he was getting into when joined the team’s pre- and postgame show on NBC Sports Chicago.
The question is, did the Hawks and NBC Sports Chicago understand what they had gotten into after adding the tough-talk hockey podcaster to a one-year deal as an analyst?
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“I get in trouble sometimes,” Scott told the Tribune. “I call players ‘garbage’ all the time. Like, ‘That guy’s garbage.’
“I remember I called P.K. Subban ‘garbage’ one time, and everybody just almost strung me up for it. But I’m not going to change the way I talk. Maybe NBC sits me down — ‘Cool it a little bit’ — but I hope not.
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“I don’t swear, I don’t talk about sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll on my show. It’s very family-friendly. But I’ve got to be myself.”
It’s ultimately NBC Sports Chicago’s call, but as a broadcast partner the Hawks get a say, and team officials think they’ve found a diamond in the rough after they and the regional sports network cast a wide net for guest analysts.
“There are some that love to do that and are more comfortable than others,” said Jaime Faulkner, Hawks president of business operations. “(Scott) was actually really excited about the opportunity. He wanted to do it. He was able to have good chemistry (on set). He’s able to talk about the team very well, he knows our brand very well.
“So we thought he would be a great person to have in the mix. NBC really liked him as well.”
The Blackhawks’ John Scott, left, takes a punch from the Kings’ Kevin Westgarth on Dec. 19, 2010, at the United Center. ( / AP)
Added Pat Boyle, who hosts “Blackhawks Pregame Live” and “Blackhawks Postgame Live”: “He’s got a great sense of humor and he’s got some stories to tell about his career.
“He was around during some great days in Blackhawks recent history, so he can bring some perspective to what the Kanes and the Toewses and the Sharpies were like behind the scenes and tell us some stories that we may not know that may relate to how Connor Bedard transitions into the NHL.”
When it comes to breaking down today’s players, “I’m honest,” Scott said. “If the Hawks are stinking it up, I’m going to tell it like it is. We’ll see how it goes on TV.”
Scott, who lives in Traverse City, Mich., said the plan is for him to make 30 to 40 appearances.
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“If I struggle and I’m not good, it’ll be less,” he said. “If I do well, and people seem to like it, then maybe I’ll do more”
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Scott played for the Hawks in 2010-11, when he led the team with 72 penalty minutes, and for the bulk of 2011-12 before he was traded to the New York Rangers on Feb. 27, 2012.
The Edmonton, Alberta, native also played for the Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks, Arizona Coyotes and Montreal Canadiens, but none of those experiences compared to Chicago.
“Chicago’s a blue-collar town, man. They enjoy the tough guys,” he said. “When I would fight I would hear about in the streets, like, ‘Hey, Johnny, we appreciate what you’re doing.’ So it’s a good fit with me and the Hawks.
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His enforcer role didn’t jibe with his personality, but he wanted to establish a persona as a 6-foot-8 menace.
“I wanted to hurt somebody,” he said. “I wanted to set the tone. … I’m the toughest guy in the league. Come and get it if you want to fight, you’re going to come out with a broken jaw.”
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Scott is more famed for his fluky All Star Game appearance in 2016. Then a journeyman demoted to the AHL, he was voted to the game by fans, and the NHL tried to pressure him to bow out.
Not only did he play, but his Pacific team won the championship, and Scott was named MVP. Still, the league instituted the “John Scott Rule” to prevent that scenario from happening again.
“I wouldn’t be talking to you or have this job if I didn’t have the All-Star Game” storyline, Scott said. “That’s why I’m here. I know what butters my bread.
“But I think what it was able to do was just to let people see that I wasn’t just some meathead enforcer dummy. I am a person. I do have a thought in my head. … And (fans) got to know me and my wife, my kids — I have seven kids now — so there’s more than just punching people in the face when you meet me.”
John Scott joins NBCSCH as analyst
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