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Thursday, December 23, 1999
Prospal at peace
Senator knows his days in Ottawa are numbered
Vaclav Prospal has been hearing the rumours for a long time, but he's finally learned to ignore them.
Since last season, the Senators centre has been hearing his name whispered among the trade rumours, now he can find comfort in the truth.
Prospal knows it's just a matter of time before he's traded.
"We just have to wait and see what happens," said Prospal. "I don't really have a choice."
Prospal was a healthy scratch for three games last week, but when he finally returned to the lineup for a game against the Oilers he collected two assists.
In 30 games, Prospal has scored five goals and has 15 points.
"Usually, I get mad if I don't play," said Prospal. "But with those three games I didn't feel as bad, I felt it was about something else."
Earlier in the week, Prospal had talked back to coach Jacques Martin during a practice.
The western trip was made easier for Prospal after a few conversations with his agent and one with Senators GM Marshall Johnston.
"I had a really positive talk with Marshall," said Prospal. "We talked about everything that's been going on and I left with a really positive attitude."
Prospal hasn't hidden his feelings of unhappiness over the past few months.
"I can honestly say I've been unhappy," said Prospal. "I can say there have been quite a few unhappy moments.
"It's not a perfect world. I'll just have to wait and see what happens."
With a roster freeze in effect until midnight Dec. 27, Prospal knows he'll be in Ottawa for a little while longer.
"As long as I'm part of this team I will do my best," added Prospal. "Right now I am still a part of this team and that's all that matters."
Celebrating his first Christmas as a married man, Prospal has no intention of letting the situation weigh on him during the holidays.
"You can bet I won't be thinking about any of this at Christmas."
Prospal admits he and his wife are not pretending the situation doesn't exist.
In fact they've talked about it at great length and are prepared should a trade take place.
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