Kane supports Scott's All-Star status: 'I think it will be good for the game'

John Scott has a friend in former teammate Patrick Kane.

The NHL's best player weighed in Tuesday on one of the league's worst - statistically speaking - being allowed to participate in the All-Star Game, after Scott was officially named captain (again) of the Pacific Division, and Kane's happy with the decision.

"I think it will be good for the game," Kane said, according to The Chicago Tribune's Chris Kuc. "John is a personality that can have fun with the All-Star Game. The fans voted him in so why not have him there? It's good to hear he's going."

Scott spent parts of two seasons with Kane's Chicago Blackhawks in 2010-11 and 2011-12, compiling two assists and 120 penalty minutes in 69 games.

Kane, in fact, is looking forward to seeing what Scott can do at 3-on-3.

"Who knows how he's going to play? He might play harder than he ever has. I'm sure he's someone that doesn't want to let his team down (and) he wants to go out there and play well too."

The Art Ross favorite is hoping Scott keeps the physical play out of Nashville, though.

"You never know with him," Kane said, tongue-in-cheek. "I'll try and stay away from him on the ice. He's a big, big man. I don't want to run into him out there."

NHL All-Star weekend is Jan. 30 and 31 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, home of the Predators, and Scott's participation - along with a new format - is sure to bring in some additional viewers.

Everybody wins. Especially Scott.