So Vinny Prospal has signed a 1 year extension to stay in Columbus. According to Real_ESPNLeBrun's twitter, he signed for 2.5 million without bonuses.
I'm surprised but not in the way you would think.
A couple weeks back I was told (hat tip to Nitro!) how much Vinny's family enjoyed it in Columbus. How Prospal's sons are constantly in The Hockey Stop off Bethel and that the family was strongly considering making Columbus it's permanent home after his playing days are over.
That right away told me the guy may be open to resigning here.
This may not be a market for a guy like Jeff Carter who seems to like the bright lights and big city, but players with families sure seem to enjoy it right? Modin, Cassels and now Prospal are proof of that.
In that sense, I am not surprised at all that he signed this extension. I am a bit surprised that he wanted to stick around for the rebuild/reload/reboot/re-whateveryouwanttocallit and not take a shot with a contender at the cup. Make no mistake about it, there would have been a lot of suitors for Prospal at the deadline in this seller's market.
In this case, I firmly believe he's putting his family first. Afterall, he's got a cup. Can't ever fault a guy for that. And if this guy wants to stick around to help try to turn this thing around, he's got even more of my respect than he had prior which was a TON!
I would say he may be getting used to "Club CBJ" but in his case, I just don't believe that. He had the stones to call out this team for their "practice habits" earlier this season. We have heard multiple times from Derek Dorsett how he has watched Prospal and how much of an influence he's had on him in terms of how to be a pro in this league.
That is EXACTLY the type of veteran presence this team needs in that locker room. Obviously Howson sees is that way as well and that kind of leadership is worth far more than a 2nd round pick. Especially when you consider our track record with 2nd round picks!
I am surprised this deal got done. Maybe in the offseason after he was dealt, but not now. But lookin at it now, it does make some sense when you piece it all together.
Now in terms of what this move tells us about the future of this team? I don't think a whole lot yet but we can speculate on two things:
1. Scott Howson doesn't appear to be going anywhere anytime soon which continues to be a massive mis-calculation.
2. Regadless of the problems at the top of this organization, every team needs veterans to compliment their young players and "show them the way". With Prospal now in the fold this tells us he is definitely being counted on to be one of those guys and he fully embraces that. I'm completely fine with Prospal in that role. The question that remains to be seen, is what other vets will be counted on? Who moves and who doesn't between now and the trade deadline should tell us quite a bit.
-LTL
