Dalton Prout
Team: Columbus Blue Jackets Pos: D Age: 25 Ht: 6’3” Wt: 198 Shoots: R GP: 42 G: 1 A: 3 P: 4 Contract status: Pending RFA ($1,075,000)
Sometimes you just need to add a little nasty to your lineup. That’s exactly what Prout would provide. Before you discount him due to his poor plus/minus (minus-9) consider that he plays in Columbus. He is young and would likely benefit from a fresh start.
Also, Prout is surprisingly responsible with the puck. He may not win you many games, but he’s unlikely to cost you many either. He is used to limited minutes, and his toughness could come in handy come playoff time, where he could fit nicely on the third pairing.
As a pending restricted free agent, he would remain under team control next season, and likely would not command that huge of a salary to stay, which could be important considering the raises Nathan MacKinnon and Tyson Barrie will be due.
