Fantasy Impact: Columbus has signed left winger Vinny Prospal to a one-year contract worth $1.75 million (with bonuses that push the deal up to $2.6 million).

The Blue Jackets get: a proven top six forward who missed a lot of time in 2010-11 due to injury. At 36, this could be Prospal's last kick at the can in the NHL. He had 58 points two seasons ago in New York, and has been known to click with star linemates (Gaborik in New York, Lecavalier and Richards in Tampa Bay). He could line up with Nash and Carter on the top unit, although both he and Nash are natural LW.

Fantasy Players Impacted: Prospal's value skyrockets if he is on the top line.  Nash and Carter were the top two players in terms of even strength shots on goal last season in the entire league. Prospal is a skilled veteran who sees the ice well. If the Jackets put Brassard on the top unit, Prospal will likely skate with Umberger and Vermette on line two.

This move is also largely to replace Kristian Huselius, who will be back in December or January (torn pectoral muscle).

My Columbus lines for opening night:

Nash-Carter-Brassard

Prospal-Vermette-Umberger

Calvert-Johansen-Kubalik (rookie/youth line)

Mackenzie-Pahlsson-Dorsett/Boll

Lots of options there. Could move Nash to RW and Prospal to LW on the top line. Huselius' return will obviously cloud things even further.

Fantasy players this helps, in order:

1. Prospal

2. Nash & Carter

3. Umberger

4. Vermette

Fantasy players this hurts, in order:

1. Brassard (could go either way)

2. Matt Calvert

3. Ryan Johansen/Cam Atkinson (one less forward spot available)

Comments (3)

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Karbinkopy said:

	re: Huselius anyone? The last I heard is that Huselius isn't going to be ready until near January with a torn pectoral muscle.
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July 24, 2011
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Jeff said:

	Huselius anyone? Is Huselius not expected to be healthy by the beginning of the season? If he's playing, he's in the top 6, probably taking that spot Brassard was hanging onto by a thread...
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July 24, 2011
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Shoeless said:

	Nash position I know he is a natural LW, Jeff, but Nash has played mostly RW for the last few seasons as near as I can tell. I don't think they will quibble with who plays which side. Interestingly, all 3 have had dual eligibility in Yahoo over the past season or two, Carter C/RW, Nash RW/LW and Prospal C/LW Thanks for the write up.
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July 23, 2011
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