Former teammates happy for Scott's success

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- John Scott began his professional hockey journey with the Minnesota Wild in 2006 when he signed a contract with their then-American Hockey League affiliate in Houston.
A career that began a decade ago was highlighted when Scott was named the MVP of the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Game in Nashville on Sunday.

Scott played parts of two seasons in Minnesota from 2008 to 2010 before moving onto the Chicago Blackhawks. Three players remain with the Wild who played with Scott in Minnesota: center Mikko Koivu, defenseman Nate Prosser and goalie Niklas Backstrom.
Koivu said he kept a low profile over the weekend and did not watch any of the game on Sunday, but caught up with teammates before practice on Monday about what happened at Bridgestone Arena. He said he was impressed with the highlights he saw of Scott.
"As a player, being teammates with him, I'm going to support him on [going to the All-Star game]," Koivu said. "I think he's handled it very well. I think he handled it the right way, and his way. He stuck with it and I'm happy for him."
Scott spent two seasons in Chicago before signing with the Buffalo Sabres in the summer of 2012. He played a little more than one season there with current Wild forward Thomas Vanek, who watched the game at home.
Vanek said he has fond memories of his time with Scott in Buffalo and was thrilled to see his former teammate have success in the game.
"Everything that happened to him is much deserved because he's a great person," Vanek said.

Wild forward Jason Pominville played 37 games with Scott in Buffalo before he was traded to Minnesota at the NHL trade deadline during the lockout-shortened 2013 season.
Pominville said he enjoyed the back-and-forth between Scott and Brent Burns, Scott's former teammate with the San Jose Sharks.
"I thought it was perfect. He's a great guy and was a good guy to have in the locker room. Everyone really enjoyed being around him. He's a funny guy, a fun guy to be around and kept the room really loose," Pominville said of Scott. "I have nothing but good things to say about him. What happened with the game was awesome, the way it turned out."
Pominville said he was happy Scott decided to make the trip to Nashville, noting that he represented a number of players who typically don't get the chance to play in the game.
"I think he represented the guys who have been around awhile and have one of the toughest jobs in the league. He's done it well and done it for a long time, so it's nice he decided to go and represent everyone that's been in that position before," Pominville said. "And the way he played, the way he handled himself; even in front of the camera was great. The way the fans reacted was even better.
"...He exceeded all expectations and did really well. It was nice to see him get rewarded with the MVP as well."