There has been a very definite change in Prout's behavior since he knocked two guys out of the game against Anaheim last month. He definitely is in full thug mode now. And he is pretty darn effective in that role. He definitely throws a punch that can hurt you. Now is that valuable? I guess Torts and Jarmo will have to decide that in the off-season. I have also noticed that he is shooting at the net a lot more than he used to do trying to create rebounds. So I could see him hanging around as a 7-8 d-man who is used in games where the opponent is putting a thug on the ice too.
I think this is where I stand as well. You can be sure management sees the same thing everyone else does in regards to his play. You can bet going into the offseason it'll be addressed. I can see them qualifying him for another year, or selling him at the draft if someone offers a mid round pick possibly.
If Prout could tighten his game up even marginally he's a serviceable bottom pairing dman. He seems the type to be willing to put in the work. If Boll is gone next year, he's the CBJ's only heavyweight. If he can play a little defense and not be awful, then he's worth it.
For as much of a goon as he apparently has become, this will be his first suspension. I don't have that much of an issue with what he did either. His Captain was being tag teamed, and he quickly put an end to it.
