The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed unrestricted free agent forward Vaclav Prospal to a reported one-year, $1.75million contract.
The move is a continuation their off-season roster overhaul that has included the additions of offensive weapons Jeff Carter and James Wisniewski.
The 36-year-old scored nine goals and 14 assists in 29 games for the New York Rangers last season.
"Vinny Prospal is a proven top six forward in the National Hockey League and we look forward to him playing that role for our hockey club," said Blue Jackets general manager and executive vice-president Scott Howson. "We are very pleased to be able to add a player of his caliber to our team at this late date in the free agency process."
Prospal is coming off a one-year deal he signed with the Rangers in 2010 with a cap hit of just under $2.5 million. He is still receiving payments from the Tampa Bay Lightning, who bought out the remaining three years of his four-year, $14 million contract in 2009.
The Czech winger has amassed 227 goals and 453 assists in 978 career NHL games with the Flyers, Senators, Panthers, Lightning, Ducks and Rangers.
He was originally drafted by Philadelphia in the third round, 71st overall, at the 1993 NHL Entry Draft.
