Larry Brooks: Sather reached out to UFA Vinny Prospal

[ocarina]

It's not about Prospal, it's about the mentality that he represents. I.e., a short term fix based on something familiar. Sather looking for a band-aid instead of addressing the teams real problems with something (or someone) who can be a piece moving forward. The likelihood that Vinny would come in and be a boost for the team is above average, but the likelihood of him being with the team beyond this year is just about zero. That's the kind of thinking that Sather is akin to, and it's why some of us are upset at the idea.

I have nothing but love for Vinny and his tan, but he's a "nice piece" for a cup contender. Not a young team trying to find it's identity.

I can't disagree with any of that. Though if Prospal can help even for only a few games, I don't see how it would hurt to bring him in on a cheap contract while we wait for Cally and Hagelin to get healthy.

I'm probably in the minority right now, but I think this is the type of team that could go on a run late at the right time and do some damage in the playoffs. I think the team is just so tentative right now trying to learn Vigneault's new system along with dealing with guys playing above their roles due to the injuries. Just give it time.

 

[Trxjw]

Seemed like he did a good job in helping a young Columbus team with this very issue.

He did.. over the course of one and a half seasons. The Jackets also dealt their star winger, star center, fired their coach, and made several other personnel adjustments during VP's tenure there. I think it's a bit much to say he'd have such an impact here. If the plan is to gut the team and provide a veteran leader to take the burden off of the kids, that's one thing, but clearly this team is looking for a spark. Vinny isn't it, IMO.

 

[OverTheCap]

I'd have to question the make-up of the locker room if they need to bring in Prospal to help right the ship.

Lundqvist, Callahan, Girardi, and Staal aren't kids anymore and this has been their team for some time. Richards is a veteran who has won a cup. Nash is a former captain. Pyatt and D. Moore have been in the league for years. If that group is incapable of guiding the kids or providing a good locker room presence, then there are fundamental problems with this team that Prospal can't fix.