"As word of a contract extension for left winger Vinny Prospal made the rounds yesterday morning at the Blue Jackets' optional team practice, Prospal's teammates processed the news.

Most smiled, nodded and wanted to know more.

How long is the deal? Good for him. For how much? I wonder what will happen next.

The unexpected one-year, $2.5?million extension for Prospal, who turns 37 on Feb. 17 and would have been an unrestricted free agent after the season, was a reminder that the retooling of the NHL's worst team has begun and that the fate of almost every player in the dressing room is uncertain."