Vinny Prospal (left).

BY SPORTSNET STAFF
sportsnet.ca

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed forward Vinny Prospal to a one-year, $1.75-million contract, the club announced on Saturday.

"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 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 played the 2010-11 season with the New York Rangers, registering nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points.

Originally drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the third round (71st overall) of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, the veteran winger has a total of 227 goals and 453 assists in 978 career games.