Penguins Agree to Terms With Whitney

[JKidd]

Executive Vice President and General Manager Ray Shero announced today that the Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed defenseman Ryan Whitney to a six-year contract.

Whitney, 25, recorded career-highs in all offensive categories, collecting 14 goals, 45 assists for 59 points, while appearing in a career-high 81 games in his second NHL season. He finished tied for fifth in scoring among NHL defensemen and fifth overall on the club.

“Signing Ryan was a high priority for us this off-season,” Shero said. “He is an essential part of the long-term future plan for our hockey club and a huge part of our core group of young players. Ryan made a difference for us last season, while making significant progress and we are looking forward to his continued success in Pittsburgh for years to come.”

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound defenseman finished fourth on the club, while posting a career-high 33 points on the power play. He tied Evgeni Malkin with 24 assists on the power play, while notching nine of his 14 goals with the man advantage. He posted a plus-or-even rating in 57 of his 81 games, ranking fourth on the team with a plus-nine rating overall.

Whitney appeared 89 career contests with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins before joining Pittsburgh on a full-time basis during the 2005-06 season. He registered 55 points (11 goals, 44 assists) during his stint with Wilkes-Barre and was the first Wilkes-Barre rookie to play in all 80 games since the 1999-00 season.

Prior to joining Wilkes-Barre, Whitney played three seasons at Boston University, playing in 107 career games for the Eagles recording 16 goals and 43 assists. He led the team in scoring during his final season with 25 points, ranking second on the team with 16 assists.

Whitney has skated in 149 career NHL contests with Pittsburgh, collecting 97 points (20 goals, 77 assists), along with 162 career penalty minutes. The Scituate, Massachusetts native was drafted by the Penguins in the first round, fifth overall, in the 2002 NHL Draft.

[R.Middleton]

Good future in USA hockey right here.

[Rugged]

There's a rumor going around right now that the Pens' negotiations with Kariya are heating up. Maybe it's a rumor, maybe it's true.

Penguins linked to Paul Kariya

I'm writing this with caution but i just got word a few minutes ago that Paul Kariya has narrowed his list down to 3 and the Penguins appear to be the favorite at this moment. The Buzz on the Burgh has learned that the Penguins and Kariya are currently talking about a 3 year deal. The Penguins are offering less money than others but are offering a third year.

LINK

[bengino]

4 mill a year??? that seems a bit high for this guy... sheesh

[Isles4life]

Originally Posted by bengino

4 mill a year??? that seems a bit high for this guy... sheesh

He's still pretty young. I think he's one of the best young defenders in the game, and he'll definitely be worth that market value in a couple seasons if he continues to progress. But then again, with the inflated market, he might already be there.

[Cat Smasher]

I heard Pens are trying to get Andy Sutton of all people, to help out Letang...

[Rugged]

Originally Posted by Cat Smasher

I heard Pens are trying to get Andy Sutton of all people, to help out Letang...

They're also making a bid for Scott Hannan from what I've read. We'll see. I'd be happy as hell with Kariya, though.

[FightingIsGood]

Mark my words, in a few years $4 million for Whitney will seem like a bargain. He's already one of the top young D-men in the league, and will continue to get better.

[Faz]

$4M for next year is overpay, but $4M in 2012-13 is gonna look fricken great for this guy. Very happy to continue the progress with Whitney squared away.

Now please please PLEASE get Hannan, and after that I don't care. Though Kariya would be good.

[FightingIsGood]

They'd better get more than Hannan before I'll be happy, given how much better the Rangers and Flyers will be. Because as of right now, they're looking at possible 3rd or 4th place finish in the division next season.

[DaveBrown69]

Originally Posted by FightingIsGood

They'd better get more than Hannan before I'll be happy, given how much better the Rangers and Flyers will be. Because as of right now, they're looking at possible 3rd or 4th place finish in the division next season.

3rd or 4th is what it's looking like right now but the signings aren't over yet.

[Faz]

Alright, I know Pens fans are aware we have te cap space but not the cash to make big moves. Locking up Whitney was always going to be the priority.

But seriously... someone call Ray Shero and let him know free agency day has started.

[Rugged]

Originally Posted by Faz

But seriously... someone call Ray Shero and let him know free agency day has started.

I understand that you're upset because some other teams are throwing around money as if they were playing Monopoly, but please relax. It's not like the Pens are talentless. I'm sure Shero knows what he's doing and what he has to work with more than we do.

[Faz]

Yes... and I reserve my right to get my panties in a bunch until he does something!

I understand all is not lost when the roster entering next season still starts Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Gonchar, Whitney, Fleury.

I wanna see some solid gamers coming in!

[FightingIsGood]

Originally Posted by Rugged

I understand that you're upset because some other teams are throwing around money as if they were playing Monopoly, but please relax. It's not like the Pens are talentless. I'm sure Shero knows what he's doing and what he has to work with more than we do.

True, but I would just like him to do something - ANYTHING - to fill a need and improve the team. It's frustrating as hell to watch the hated Rangers and Flyers get good players, while the Pens have to settle for guys like Dany Sabourin.