Speculation: Prospal's play and the gentleman's agreement

[VandyBuck]

I know it was perhaps to a greater extent, but didn't Howson flush the team of veteran leadership in his first year or two?

I'm not as worried about it now given JMFJ, Dubi, Toots, etc., but...something to always consider, especially since we're not out of the country club woods quite yet.

 

[SuperGenius]

I know it was perhaps to a greater extent, but didn't Howson flush the team of veteran leadership in his first year or two?

I'm not as worried about it now given JMFJ, Dubi, Toots, etc., but...something to always consider, especially since we're not out of the country club woods quite yet.

I have no idea how you can bring up Vinny and the country club in the same thought. (with the exception of "Vinny destroys country clubs")

 

[Mayor Bee]

I know it was perhaps to a greater extent, but didn't Howson flush the team of veteran leadership in his first year or two?

I'm not as worried about it now given JMFJ, Dubi, Toots, etc., but...something to always consider, especially since we're not out of the country club woods quite yet.

We had veteran leadership when Howson took over? Huh, today I learned...

I mentioned earlier that the difference to me is that Prospal can still play. He's well past his prime, but is still effective. It isn't like what Howson inherited, which was a washed-up Fedorov, a breaking-down Modin, and a useless Foote. And the other thing was that Foote and Fedorov had those obscene contracts, which Prospal does not have.

 

[VandyBuck]

We had veteran leadership when Howson took over? Huh, today I learned...

Oh, is that what I said? Silly me. I could've sworn I had a question mark at the end of that first bit. Comprehension, comprehension, clap clap clap

As for the Vinny/Country Club comment. I don't think we're far enough removed from the CC, but obviously heading the right way. I'd appreciate having Vinny around for one more year to continue the extermination process.

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

I know it was perhaps to a greater extent, but didn't Howson flush the team of veteran leadership in his first year or two?

I'm not as worried about it now given JMFJ, Dubi, Toots, etc., but...something to always consider, especially since we're not out of the country club woods quite yet.

One of Howson's mistakes was underestimating some players' value "in the room" following the playoff season. In his defense, Peca had been butting heads with Hitch, and Manny played hardball. It's not like he left the roster devoid of a rudder, but significant voices were removed from the roster.

This could have application to the current roster, but I wouldn't say it with any certainty.

 

[Mayor Bee]

One of Howson's mistakes was underestimating some players' value "in the room" following the playoff season. In his defense, Peca had been butting heads with Hitch, and Manny played hardball. It's not like he left the roster devoid of a rudder, but significant voices were removed from the roster.

This could have application to the current roster, but I wouldn't say it with any certainty.

And Peca was also quite clearly at the end of the line. If not for the lack of depth in the system at the time that Howson picked him up (and re-signed him), he'd have struggled to stay out of the press box.

He was basically a forward version of Craig Rivet.

 

[VandyBuck]

One of Howson's mistakes was underestimating some players' value "in the room" following the playoff season. In his defense, Peca had been butting heads with Hitch, and Manny played hardball. It's not like he left the roster devoid of a rudder, but significant voices were removed from the roster.

This could have application to the current roster, but I wouldn't say it with any certainty.

Thanks for having a clearer memory than me. Agreed, probably not a true concern.

And Peca was also quite clearly at the end of the line. If not for the lack of depth in the system at the time that Howson picked him up (and re-signed him), he'd have struggled to stay out of the press box.

He was basically a forward version of Craig Rivet.

Ha. Nice.

I just don't see the harm in a 1 year contract if Vinny's willing to sign for a reasonable number. At least a few "if's" packed in there...

 

[Xoggz22]

Regardless of what happens, I have to believe that JK and JD have been in contact with Prospal to let them know how they plan to move forward. He deserves that. If they have a "plan" that doesn't include Vinny it would likely be because they were able to upgrade as they saw necessary and didn't feel the loss of the intangibles (or on ice production) was significant.

 

[EspenK]

Regardless of what happens, I have to believe that JK and JD have been in contact with Prospal to let them know how they plan to move forward. He deserves that. If they have a "plan" that doesn't include Vinny it would likely be because they were able to upgrade as they saw necessary and didn't feel the loss of the intangibles (or on ice production) was significant.

Here's Vinny's side

http://bluejacketsxtra.dispatch.com.../06/21/prospal-heads-home-as-talks-stall.html

 

[Inglewood JACKets]

Here's Vinny's side

http://bluejacketsxtra.dispatch.com.../06/21/prospal-heads-home-as-talks-stall.html

Man that sucks. If they don't sign him I'll understand, but I'll still be mad none the less.

 

[CBJ Bob]

Here's Vinny's side

http://bluejacketsxtra.dispatch.com.../06/21/prospal-heads-home-as-talks-stall.html

This should have been easy. It should have been taken care within a week of the end of the season. Give him a 1 yr extension or don't - EASY. Instead they decided to tackle the more difficult items first. Now this looks like this has become difficult too.

 

[SuperGenius]

I may be a sentimental fool, but I believe the treatment and hopefully resigning of Vinny is as critical to the state of this franchise as signing Bob.

He's earned it, IMO. He said it best:

“I was one of the guys who didn’t want to leave here in the middle of (2011-12),†Prospal said. “I committed to the organization during the dark days of the (franchise), and I’m so glad I did.â€

 

[blahblah]

I may be a sentimental fool, but I believe the treatment and hopefully resigning of Vinny is as critical to the state of this franchise as signing Bob.

I would appreciate it if the franchise did not leave Prospal in the dark. If there is a communication issue on direction, resolve it. I want him to be with the franchise after his career. If that means not being as active in the FA market to keep him, that would be my preference.

As far as Bob, I'll reserve my opinion on how critical his signing is until I see the contract that he signs. The Bob contract is already screwing with our off season plans in regards to the cap.

Ultimately, buying on RJ might be their best move, but it doesn't sound like they are considering it. If we end up with an idiotic contract from Bob, I would like to offset that with RJ leaving as opposed to Prospal. We can get another two way forward that scores around 20 goals a season for cheaper.

I don't like to spend the money of the franchise in this manner, but here we are.

 

[IBleedUnionBlue]

I find this very disappointing. I'm biased though 'cause Prospal is my current favorite Jacket.

 

[CBJSprague24]

I don't like this. This has bad vibes of "Let Peca and Manny (leadership figures) leave, bring in Pahlsson.".

Never mind any ethical considerations, this is a guy who has all the skill and intangibles we all talk about, PLUS, as SuperGenius pointed out, he stuck it out instead of asking to be moved.

It feels reassuring that JD told Vinny the agreement would be honored, because I don't see him being the "say one thing, do another" type. Sign him until it doesn't work out, then give him a watch and an office. If they aren't bringing him back, I hope they have a backup plan.

 

[Xoggz22]

I don't think there is anyone on here that doesn't like Vinny and isn't aware of his contributions. I find it hard to believe that there hasn't been communication between the parties. If not, that's sad. Vinny did a lot to change the perception around Columbus. Signing here and speaking out was a revelation for this franchise.

That being said, if this franchise ends up better and Vinny isn't a part of it most fans will move on (I believe I will). I don't want Vinny "done wrong" and hope it's handled sooner rather than later. Great if he's here, bummer if he's not but I want this team to improve and not at the expense of bringing back a player the team may not see as part of the plan. Not having him here and taking a step back will certainly ruffle some feathers...

 

[Jackets16]

I guess I just don't see what the big deal is. I appreciate Vinny for what he has done, and would like it if he can be on the team next year, but I don't care if he isn't. At the end of the day this is a business and Columbus has to do what is best for the team moving forward. If they think that means signing Vinny then they will try to sign him.

 

[Samkow]

I guess I just don't see what the big deal is. I appreciate Vinny for what he has done, and would like it if he can be on the team next year, but I don't care if he isn't. At the end of the day this is a business and Columbus has to do what is best for the team moving forward. If they think that means signing Vinny then they will try to sign him.

I'm among those who would be fine with Prospal moving on. Yeah, he can still provide some power play help/scoring help, but with the team trying to build an identify as a two-way, fast team that's hard to play against, it might be time to move on. Prospal doesn't seem like he really fits that identify and that will probably prove to be more true as his age continues to catch up with him

But, I'm not cool with how they seem to be treating him. At least return his calls. Given all the organizational squawking about doing things "the right way," I'm a bit disappointed in this news. We're still somewhat of an NHL black hole and it doesn't reflect well on the team that we're jerking around somebody who really wants to be here. We don't have to sign him, but we can at least keep him in the loop regarding his status with the team.

 

[BluejacketNut]

I dont think anyone is arguing about him being on the team or not, but at least give him an answer, most believe he's earned that and if you're not going to sign let him know sooner rather then later so he can move on.

 

[Jackets16]

I agree they should let him know where things stand, but he is a FA. He is free to move to another team when FA starts. I guess I just don't think these things are as big of a deal as some of you do.

 

[NotWendell]

This tells me a trade for an top six NHL winger is in the works. If they pull it off, he'll slot into Vinny's spot on the roster. If they don't, they'll reach out to Vinny.

 

[squarelaces]

Dealing with the most important and expensive players/contracts is the smart way of managing your team and payroll. If Bob and Artie end up costing on the high side there would be less for Vinnie. If management has some hope of a deal for a top six upgrade there would be no position for him. Do you think Vinnie would feel better if JD called him to voice the above position?

 

[Speedy Sanderson]

Vinny will likely be back. This is a business, and management is right to see what shakes out at the draft and the beginning of the offseason. It's possible there is no more room for Vinny the hockey player (maybe he comes back in some other capacity at a later date), but more likely the Jackets will make their picks/trades/survey the landscape and bring him back for another season. Maybe another team will try and sign Vinny, at which point the Jackets will need to decide how much he is really worth ($2 million?). Should be a crazy next few weeks.

 

[Xoggz22]

I dont think anyone is arguing about him being on the team or not, but at least give him an answer, most believe he's earned that and if you're not going to sign let him know sooner rather then later so he can move on.

Is it not feasible that they aren't sure if they'll be in a position to offer him a contract or want to offer him a contract? (Not directed specifically at you BJN) What's more important, Bob? The draft? Arty? Vinny? I realize Vinny is well liked and a great teammate but how can you give the man a serious answer when more pressing needs are on the docket?

I don't understand this from some of you. There are much more important matters than dealing with Vinny Prospal, especially if he's one of the players you are looking to upgrade (on the ice). There is no chance that Vinny and JD/JK haven't had any discussions on this at all. I just don't buy that regardless of what someone might insinuate in print.

You prioritize your day by working from the A draw, not the C draw. Columbus worked with the C draw for too long. Again, I'm not against Vinny being here and not for him going. I just don't agree that this situation needs handled as the top priority. It's not even the 4th highest priority on my list.

 

[Jackets16]

Is it not feasible that they aren't sure if they'll be in a position to offer him a contract or want to offer him a contract? (Not directed specifically at you BJN) What's more important, Bob? The draft? Arty? Vinny? I realize Vinny is well liked and a great teammate but how can you give the man a serious answer when more pressing needs are on the docket?

I don't understand this from some of you. There are much more important matters than dealing with Vinny Prospal, especially if he's one of the players you are looking to upgrade (on the ice). There is no chance that Vinny and JD/JK haven't had any discussions on this at all. I just don't buy that regardless of what someone might insinuate in print.

You prioritize your day by working from the A draw, not the C draw. Columbus worked with the C draw for too long. Again, I'm not against Vinny being here and not for him going. I just don't agree that this situation needs handled as the top priority. It's not even the 4th highest priority on my list.

Great post.