Columbus Signs Vinny Prospal To One Year Deal

When New York re-signed Ruslan Fedotenko and added Mike Rupp during free agency it was obvious that Vinny Prospal was not coming back to the organization next season.  After two years in which Prospal recorded 29 goals and 52 assists in 104 games, is moving on to the Columbus Blue Jackets with a one-year, $1.75 million contract.  The move was announced by Columbus GM Scott Howson through his twitter feed.

This is a great gamble for the Blue Jackets who were looking for a top six type forward to replace the recently injured Kristian Huselius.  The only question about the move is the condition of Prospal’s knee that caused him to miss 53 games last season.  A healthy Prospal will do great things for the Blue Jackets both on and off the ice.  If he plays with Jeff Carter and Rick Nash on the top line his playmaking ability will be extremely helpful to players who both know how to finish with regularity.  He is yet another addition that will help with the Columbus power play that struggled so mightily last season.

Beyond just his skill he will bring great enthusiasm to the club and his experience will be invaluable for a team that is built mainly of players who have not experienced much winning in the league.  New York wishes Vinny good luck and thanks him for all he brought the team these past two seasons.