I understand everything being said about Prospal and why he is being seen as a good signing by some. It is about knowing when it is time to cut bait on older players and I think now is the time for Vinny. We have the leadership now, so the only reason to bring him back is to play with the top line. If you think he is good enough to fill that role and is better than what we have, then so be it. I was impressed with the point scoring from Prospal last year despite how much he slowed down from the knee issues, but it is time to go younger IMO.
The time to go younger, IMO, is when the younger guys show they're ready. Who is ready? I have some guys that I think are ready, but I'm not going to keep a spot vacant for them in anticipation of that. It's not like we're signing a guy to a multi-year, multi-million contract here--Vinny can easily be scratched, waived or traded if people prove they're ready to assume a full time spot.
And to the question of, "Where can he play?" Well, where can't he play? He can play all three forward positions. He's a good face off guy, and while he's slow, is still relatively responsible on defense. He could play wing on the top line, wing on a third line, slot in for any of the centers if they were injured, play on either PP unit, and so on.
I just don't see why having him around would be at all negative. He's easy to clear from the books (he'd probably retire if waived, IMO), we can afford him, he's well-liked, and most importantly, he's still a good player. I don't pass that up because we have young players that may or may not be ready.
I understand everything being said about Prospal and why he is being seen as a good signing by some. It is about knowing when it is time to cut bait on older players and I think now is the time for Vinny. We have the leadership now, so the only reason to bring him back is to play with the top line. If you think he is good enough to fill that role and is better than what we have, then so be it. I was impressed with the point scoring from Prospal last year despite how much he slowed down from the knee issues, but it is time to go younger IMO.
Perhaps you've said it elsewhere in the thread and I've missed it, bit what is lost by signing him?
If a kid outplays him in camp then that's excellent, he should get the spot
But I see no drawback to signing a cheap veteran to compete for the chance to provide help on the powerplay and add to our scoring depth on a very young and unpolished team
Gladly resign him for cheap to play on one of our top 3 lines. I like him as a leader, a player, and his heart. He would be a welcome addition to our team for 1 more year. After that, then its time to cut bait. He is a low risk/meduim reward player
The time to go younger, IMO, is when the younger guys show they're ready. Who is ready? I have some guys that I think are ready, but I'm not going to keep a spot vacant for them in anticipation of that. It's not like we're signing a guy to a multi-year, multi-million contract here--Vinny can easily be scratched, waived or traded if people prove they're ready to assume a full time spot.
And to the question of, "Where can he play?" Well, where can't he play? He can play all three forward positions. He's a good face off guy, and while he's slow, is still relatively responsible on defense. He could play wing on the top line, wing on a third line, slot in for any of the centers if they were injured, play on either PP unit, and so on.
I just don't see why having him around would be at all negative. He's easy to clear from the books (he'd probably retire if waived, IMO), we can afford him, he's well-liked, and most importantly, he's still a good player. I don't pass that up because we have young players that may or may not be ready.
Exactly. It's a no brainer to give him a deal. Frankly, it would be stupid NOT to, given what he brings to the team compared to his price.
Perhaps you've said it elsewhere in the thread and I've missed it, bit what is lost by signing him?
If a kid outplays him in camp then that's excellent, he should get the spot
But I see no drawback to signing a cheap veteran to compete for the chance to provide help on the powerplay and add to our scoring depth on a very young and unpolished team
You don't usually sign people "just in case" unless you are worried they might go elsewhere. I doubt Sather is worrying. I could see them waiting until September to see how things play out, then making a decision on bringing Prospal back.
i disagree with your assesment of how the coaching staff handled him
i dont think he was scratched becuase he wasn't performing, i think it was because the team was hurting for goals and the coaching staff felt like it couldnt keep Gilroy's offensive potential out of the lineup
With the surprisingly solid performance of the McD-Sauer pairing, Emminger became the odd man out. However, i dont belive this was an indictment of the coaches confidence in him as a defenseman. One example to the contrary is when staal was injured Eminger started seeing 20+ minutes a night and after performing admirably, was praised publically by the coaching staff.
I think it was pretty evident that Gilroy's offense was just that -- potential.
