Topic: Vaclav Prospal

Václav "Vinny" Prospal (born February 17, 1975) is a professional ice hockey left winger for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Prospal was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, third round, 71st overall. He has previously played for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Flyers. While with the Flyers, Prospal suffered a fractured arm during the 1997 playoffs. Prospal and another player collided during the Flyers' practice session. During the 1997-98 season, Prospal, who was named to the 1998 Czech Olympic Hockey Team, broke his leg while fighting for the puck with Lance Pitlick during a game with the Senators; Prospal was unable to play in the 1998 Winter Olympics. Ironically, Prospal was traded to the Senators a few months later. During The Lockout, Prospal played for his hometown team HC České Budějovice, leading them in scoring and helping the team return to the Czech Extraliga.

At the beginning of the 2007-08 season, while with the Lightning, Prospal posted 12 goals and 10 assists making it his best career start. On February 25, 2008, Prospal was dealt back to the Flyers for defenseman Alexandre Picard and a 2009 second-round draft pick.