Columbus Blue Jackets re-sign forward Vinny Prospal to one-year, $2.5 million contract -NHL Update
Columbus Blue Jackets did not hesitate at all in retaining their offensive depth as they re-signed left winger, Vinny Prospal, to a one-year contract extension, worth an estimated $2.5 million, announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club on Wednesday
morning, February 8, 2012.
Prospal was set to become an unrestricted free agent during the upcoming offseason but in order to avoid raised tensions then, the Columbus Blue Jackets took him off earlier and killed off any hopes other teams might have had by keeping him on their line-up
for the 2012-2013 regular season as well.
For the 36-year-old, there is an addition for him on it which is a source of excitement for the player as it consists of a gentleman’s agreement, meaning that the team would keep him in the Blue Jackets organisation in some role or another after his retirement,
which might be following the next season.
Staying with the team is obviously in their own benefit as Prospal provides exceptional guidance and leadership with the amount of experience he has gained in his 15 seasons of playing in the league so far.
"When we started talking, we asked him if he wanted to stay and be a leader, to stay here beyond playing and take a role with the organization," Blue Jackets general manager, Scott Howson, told The Columbus Dispatch. "He really likes it here. His family
likes it here. He's enjoyed his role mentoring the young players, and you've seen the energy and passion he brings to everything he does, every practice and every game."
Vinny Prospal was picked up as the 71st overall pick during round-three of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, with whom he played two seasons with, in the second being traded to Ottawa Senators.
Prospal also has playing experience with Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Anaheim Ducks, New York Rangers and now with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic native, joined the Columbus Blue Jackets after becoming a free agent last offseason coming out of two straight seasons with New York Rangers.
So far, Vinny Prospal has played 53 games this year and a total of 33 points (9 goals, 24 assists).
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