Vinny Prospal is staying in Columbus, at least for another year. Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson announced that his club has signed the left winger to a one-year contract extension. A report from the Columbus Dispatch claims the deal is worth $3.5 million, and that it comes complete with a no-trade clause.
"We are very excited to have Vinny signed for another year," said Howson in a team press release. "His leadership and play on the ice have certainly been positives for us this season."
#CBJ RW Vinny Prospal's extension is worth $2.5 million, and includes a no-trade clause.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) February 8, 2012
Speaking of trades, this deal takes a bit more wind out of the sails at the 2012 NHL trade deadline. The Blue Jackets are expected to be one of the busier sellers at the deadline, but re-upping Prospal takes him off the market. With the rumors that Jeff Carter might not be going anywhere because teams are wary of his attitude, and the unlikelihood that franchise cornerstone Rick Nash goes anywhere, the Jackets are quickly running out of trade options.
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