Home life, Hollywood and hits: John Scott answers all on CBC's CrossTalk

In his own words, John Scott was doing the "touristy thing" in St. John's Thursday, and shared his thoughts on his new host city.

"I would not be gracious," said Scott. "If this place stunk I would let everyone know."

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The former NHL enforcer was sent down to the AHL amid All-Star controversy, and now wears number 33 for Montreal Canadiens' farm team, the St. John's IceCaps.

Before answering caller questions on CBC's CrossTalk Thursday afternoon, Scott took in Signal Hill for the third time.

Cape Spear was on the agenda afterwards, and his plans for Thursday night include heading down to George Street and becoming an honorary Newfoundlander.

"We're going over to Christian's [Bar] and we're going to get screeched in," said Scott.

"It's going to happen tonight."

Not always into Newfoundland 

Scott didn't always like the idea of moving to the province. Initially, he was disappointed about the demotion.

However, since the trade he's warmed up to the place. He's even asked his wife if she'd consider moving here.

"Obviously I want to be in the NHL, but if that doesn't work out I couldn't think of a better spot to be than St. John's."

Family not here

Scott said one of the hardest parts about the new address is being away from his wife and kids.

He has four daughters, including a set of twins who were born just last month — a week after the All-Star game.

"I'm more of the cheerleader in this instance," said Scott. "Just because I'm not around them that much."

His two older girls were in St. John's with their grandparents last week.

"Everyone forgets that side of the game where when you get traded you kinda have to pick up and leave."

Hollywood hills 

All that controversy and upheaval is now being worked into a script, as a John Scott movie is in the works.

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Scott said he tries to stay out of the spotlight, but added a deal was reached with a script writing company.

Next up, casting for who will play John Scott.

"We've talked about obviously Liev Schreiber, but he's already done a hockey movie" said Scott.

Scott said he also likes Jason Segel, of How I Met Your Mother and Forgetting Sarah Marshall fame.

"He's a tall guy, he's funny."

At six foot eight, Scott doesn't expect any actor selected for the role will reach quite his height.

"I think six-three or over would work," he said. "But [height] eliminates a lot of guys definitely."

Concussion talk 

Calls and tweets for CrossTalk came in from far and wide, and touched on an equally vast number of topics, including concussions in hockey.

"I'm a little worried about it," said Scott. "If I ever had any sort of inkling that my head was suffering or I was going to be affected by this I'd be gone a long time ago."

As an enforcer, Scott said causing someone else a concussion is on his mind as much — if not more — than getting one himself.

"If I know I've won the fight and the guy is in a bad position, I'll never take a cheap shot or try to really injure somebody," said Scott.

He says fighter types like him are a dying breed in professional hockey, but he believes the physical side of hockey will always remain.

And when one person on Twitter suggested contact in the sport be cut out all together, Scott said that person could watch European hockey for that kind of play.

School days 

Scott is a graduate of the Mechanical Engineering program at Michigan Tech.

When asked about the importance of school, he stressed it should be put first.

"I'll tell my kids, I'll tell everybody I talk to make sure you go to school," said Scott.

"I've met a lot of guys who play hockey and they don't have much of an education, then all of a sudden hockey doesn't work out and then they're in trouble."

The dream worked out for Scott and he played eight years in the NHL.

Now, at 33, he's not sure what next season will bring, but he's glad he has a backup plan in engineering. One day, he'd like to make use of his degree.

"I definitely would like to go into that field somewhere, somehow."