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?