Scott ‘shocked' by trade, ‘sad' to leave Blackhawks

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A trade was apparently the last thing John Scott had on his mind Monday morning, but by 2 p.m. he found out he'd no longer be wearing an Indian-head sweater. The 6-foot-8 enforcer was dealt to the New York Rangers in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2012 draft.

"I was shocked. I didn't really expect to get moved at the trade deadline, that's for sure," Scott said. "I talked to a couple guys and they were shocked, too. They were wondering why I was traded. I don't know, but it's sad to leave those guys. I built a couple good friendships here over the last two years, so it was a sad day that's for sure."

"John was a very popular guy and I had a good chat with him today," general manager Stan Bowman said Monday on Chicago Tribune Live. "I think he's improved quite a bit from when we first got him and I think that's a credit to him for all the hard work he put in. He's a very likeable player. Obviously he brings that toughness to the mix. We never got him enough minutes, really, to be a big contributor. But he had a great attitude, he's a team guy... we wish John all the best."

Scott played 69 games in nearly two seasons with the Hawks, picking up two assists to go along with 89 hits and 120 penalty minutes and he is leaving with a dead even rating in the plusminus category.

"It was a frustrating year and a half as far as hockey goes," Scott admitted. "I don't think I really got too much of an opportunity to play as much as I wanted to, but it is what it is and I just didn't really fit in. But as for off the ice friendships and bonding with teammates it was as good as I've seen it anywhere. That team is awesome, the guys are great. It's sad to leave, I definitely made some lifelong friends on that team. I hope to see them along the line somewhere."

He'll see them sooner rather than later as New York visits the United Center on Friday, March 9 -- a date Scott already has circled.

"Oh, I'm very aware of that."

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