John Scott skates as a defenseman this morning. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Ted Nolan considering using Sabres tough guy John Scott at defense

BUFFALO – John Scott, defenseman? Believe it. The Sabres tough guy could be moving from the wing back to his natural position.

Scott will be a game-time decision tonight against the Boston Bruins, interim Sabres coach Ted Nolan said.

Update: Scott is scratched tonight.

“We’ve been working with him the last couple days,” Nolan said this morning inside the First Niagara Center. “We’ll see. Everybody played well last (game). It depends on the mood before the game, I guess.”

Scott has been practicing as defenseman, something he does occasionally. The 31-year-old switched positions after cracking the NHL.

“He’s a big man,” Nolan said. “He can cover a lot of ice. Maybe we’ll attempt to try him back there at one point.”

Scott, a healthy scratch last game, joked he would be skating big minutes tonight.

“Yup, I’m in on defense tonight,” cracked Scott, drawing laughter. “It’s me and (Christian) Ehrhoff, No. 1 pairing. I’m excited for the challenge. It should be good.”

Nolan’s confident Scott can play defense.

“I think he looks good,” Nolan said. “Defense, you just got to move the puck up, or if you’re in trouble, ring it around the boards. He’s a big man that can cover a lot of ice. He’s an intelligent guy, too, so he should be able to pick it up.”

Remember, the Sabres essentially signed Scott to play against tough teams like the Bruins. The Sabres haven’t played Boston since Scott hit Loui Eriksson in the head Oct. 23.

In other lineup news, it appears goalie Ryan Miller will start.

One thought on “Ted Nolan considering using Sabres tough guy John Scott at defense”

  1. Why not. He’s a big, lunky guy that doesn’t have much score skills. If he was brought up as a D-man, bring him back to his roots and see the magic happen…

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