Blue Jackets sign Vinny Prospal

by Andy Newman on Jul 23, 2011 1:44 PM EDT

In case you weren't sure we are living in the future, Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson just broke this signing via Twitter.

Very pleased to tell you all that we have signed Vinny Prospal. He is a top 6 forward to help replace Kristian Huselius.

According to Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch, the deal is for 1 year worth $1.75 million plus bonuses.

Prospal is known best for his time in Tampa Bay, where as a member of the Lightning he put up 80 points in 81 games in the 2005-06 season. He spent the last two seasons with the New York Rangers, only playing 29 games last year due to injury.

He can be a streaky player, similar to Huselius, but if you look at his point history, Prospal's streakiness applies to entire seasons. Based on that history, he's due to have a solid year this season, and the team likely hopes for a good 50+ point season. As long as he remains healthy, that shouldn't be difficult, since he'll likely start out playing on a line with Rick Nash and Jeff Carter.

This also brings the number of total players on the roster who used to wear number 20 to five. Huselius (20), Umberger (18), Vermette (50) and Wisniewski (21) are the others. Not bad company.

I'm most excited for what the lineup looks like when Huselius returns, even if that happens to be late January. This adds tremendous depth and will fill out the lineup just in time for the playoffs. With Prospal playing left wing, I imagine Nash will get moved back to the right side, where he has spent plenty of time the past two seasons.

What does your lineup look like with Prospal on board?

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Good move. I like what Howson is doing. Prospal was second on my list for who i wanted but as long as he stays healthy it will be a great move.
On a side note, im really liking this Howson twitter account. Its a good move and hopefully more GM’s will catch the twitter drift.

by cbjfan14 on Jul 23, 2011 1:56 PM EDT reply actions

Huselius Who?

Vinny’s Stats last 5 years = 95 G / 157 A / 348 GP

As the commercial goes, I’m Lovin’ It!

by PomeroyCBJFan on Jul 23, 2011 2:02 PM EDT reply actions

I’d like to see Nash and Carter split up at some point, but until that happens

Prospal—-Carter—-Nash
Umberger—-Brassard—-Vermette (with Vermette, then Umberger taking all the draws)
Calvert—-Pahlsson—-Dorsett
MacKenzie—-Johanson—-Boll

by NTB on Jul 23, 2011 3:49 PM EDT reply actions

Seems like a pretty good lineup to me. Maybe the best difference coming into next season should be the PP. Plenty of guys that should work well on the PP. No excuses Mr Arniel and Richards, lets get it done this year. Just the PP alone should give us plenty more points this year than last.

by cbjfan14 on Jul 23, 2011 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Forgot to add my lineup

Umby- Carter- Nash
Prospal- Brass- Vermette (Brass can cheat on draws because if he gets thrown out, Vermy is right there to take it, same thing on first line with Umby)
Calvert- Pahlson- MacKenzie
Fourth just a mixture of everyone else really.
PP i play by ear. Maybe try throwing Johan out there if its not clicking.
Seems like a better lineup than we had last year and were missing one of our top six in Juice. Lets get the season going!

by cbjfan14 on Jul 23, 2011 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

My concern with Umberger on the 1st line is that all 3 like to shoot the puck. Prospal is a nice set-up man.

by NTB on Jul 23, 2011 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I think he would be good at getting to the dirty areas better than Prospal though. He can play defense also so thats not a liability for the first line. I think putting Prospal on the second line will even it out a little more as well. Im not one to think Umby is a first line player, i think in the right situation hes a third, but i think he would fit well on the first.

by cbjfan14 on Jul 23, 2011 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Ranger fan here

Great signing by the Blue Jackets. Prospal might be 36, but he brings youthful enthusiasm and persistent intensity to the rink night in and night out. Last offseason, we signed him to a one year deal, hoping he can continue his past success under coach John Tortorella, who he has won a cup under. He injured his knee in preseason, and it didn’t look good at all for Vinny. It looked like he would be out for the season and possibly call it a career.

But that didn’t happen. Just in time for the playoff rush, Vinny came back and exploded with 23 points in 29 games greatly contributing to the Rangers push squeaking them into the last playoff spot.

Vinny is great in the locker room and is a winner. He is a proud guy. He also has one of the best “I scored a goal” faces I have seen in my entire life. Take a look for yourself

by The Blue Seats on Jul 23, 2011 4:36 PM EDT reply actions

haha thanks for the post. Were happy to have him

by cbjfan14 on Jul 23, 2011 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I though doans was better lol

I think it would look more like

Nash Carter brassard
Prospal vernette umberger
Calvert phalsson juice (when he returns)
Boll johanson Dorsett

I really feel like I am forgetting someone but ohwell

I like putting brassard on the wing because he is a set up man who can get some chemisty with nash I also think vernette is a much better face off man so it would make sense to keep him at center where he is most comfortable. And where he produces the most. Honestly wouldn’t be surprised If c bus experimented with Carter at wing putting brassard at center although I wouldn’t want to see that happen. I think c bus might be on the right track this year if these players play like they can

by FFmorgan89 on Jul 23, 2011 7:09 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Vinny Prospal

Good luck to Vinny in Columbus – quite honestly here are my thoughts as a 40 year Ranger fan:

Vinny brings enthusiasm to the ice and wears his heart on his sleeve. He hit a major wall last year with his injury and had trouble getting back into shape and cracking the lineup. Vinny is a smart player but often labors to skate on the ice and had trouble keeping up with younger faster skaters because his knees are basically worn down. Scores the “surprise goal” from a bad angle or a deflection on an above average basis but DOES NOT play defense. No longer a top six forward on Ranger team gearing up for a deep playoff run this year. Will start off strong – if in shape – but will fade badly over 82 games. Often looked lost during the Rangers playoff series last year.

by Blue Skys on Jul 23, 2011 7:25 PM EDT reply actions

Excellent signing. This has been a phenomenal summer for Howson, and he has made the perfect moves.

Adam Foote still blows!

by Heavysoviet on Jul 24, 2011 1:34 AM EDT reply actions

Ranger fan here..

You guys are gonna love Vinny!

If he stays healthy he could easily put up 50 points for you guys. He’s a solid set-up guy, which will be great for Nash/Carter. He’ll give 110% every shift, and his celebrations are worth 1 mil alone.

You guys are gonna love him. Best of luck!

"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Jul 24, 2011 2:10 PM EDT reply actions

All the feedback I’m hearing from Ranger fans really has me excited for Prospal! Thanks for coming over and sharing, guys!

Editor for The Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets Blog
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by Matt Wagner on Jul 24, 2011 4:11 PM EDT reply actions

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