The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed veteran winger Vinny Prospal to a one-year contract. General manager Scott Howson the news Saturday afternoon, via Twitter no less, and it is a move that shores up the Blue Jackets' top six after left-winger Kristian Huselius underwent surgery for a torn pectoral muscle. He's expected to miss four-to-six months.

The Dispatch reports that the deal will pay Prospal $1.75 million and includes bonuses. There were injury concerns about the 36-year-old, who missed 53 games last season after knee surgery, but it appears to have made a full recovery.

In 29 games he still put up an impressive stat line of 9-14-23 and he has averaged 57 points a season over 14 seasons in the NHL -- the last two with the New York Rangers. Prior to 2010-2011 he never missed more than eight games in a season.

This is a smart, thrifty move for Howson and the Blue Jackets. Although Prospal may be on the decline, there's no doubt he can still hold a top six spot. He isn't an elite skater but has great vision and can contribute on the power play as 10 of his 23 points last season came on the man advantage.

But the biggest benefit of signing Prospal isn't the scoring boost he'll add in the absence of Juice. His addition allows the Blue Jackets to be patient and allow youngsters like Cam Atkinson and Tomas Kubalik to develop more. It doesn't mean that neither will make the team, but it means that they -- or the likes of top prospect Ryan Johansen or Matt Calvert -- won't be rushed an counted on to produce in a top six role.

The move should put an end to Howson's summer overhaul, and at least on paper, there's no doubt the team is improved.

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