NHL Suspends San Jose Sharks Enforcer John Scott 4 Games

By Phil Watson | Dec 24, 2014

Sep 23, 2014; Stockton, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks John Scott (20) fights with Vancouver Canucks Tom Sestito (29) in a first period fight during their NHL Preseason game at the Stockton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports /

San Jose Sharks enforcer John Scott drew a four-game suspension for a knockout punch to Anaheim Ducks forward Tim Jackman.

The National Hockey League didn’t view Monday night’s punch from San Jose Sharks left wing John Scott on Anaheim Ducks right wing Tim Jackman kindly.

On Wednesday, the NHL stuffed some coal in Scott’s stocking in the form of a four-game suspension for the hit that left Jackman unconscious and requiring medical attention.

Here is the play that precipitated the suspension:

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety said in its release:

"“While we accept Scott’s assertion that he was merely trying to shake off Jackman—and although Jackman’s shove initiates the exchange—it is such a common maneuver executed with so little force that Scott’s response is neither predictable, nor acceptable.“Similarly, though Scott’s response is more of a flailing reaction than a premeditated or forceful swing, it is illegal and he is responsible for the damage it does.”"

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Scott’s history as a repeat offender also played a role—he was suspended seven games last year for a head shot against Boston Bruins forward Loui Eriksson and for two games earlier this year for leaving the San Jose bench to fight Jackman on Oct. 26.

Jackman is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game for Anaheim against the Arizona Coyotes.

Scott, who will be docked more than $34,000 in salary for the four missed games, has a goal and two points in 15 games this season for the Sharks, who signed Scott as a free agent in July. He has also played for the Minnesota Wild, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres over parts of seven NHL seasons.

Jackman has seen action in 32 of Anaheim’s 36 games this season, with two goals and four points. He was traded to the Ducks from the Calgary Flames in November 2013 and signed a one-year extension with Anaheim in March.

He has also seen time with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Phoenix Coyotes, Los Angeles Kings and New York Islanders in 11 NHL campaigns.

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