Whitney's worth

Written by Seth Rorabaugh on Monday, 18 August 2008 12:32 am.

How much will the Penguins miss Ryan Whitney as he recuperates from his foot injury? You be the judge. Take a look at the top point totals by defensemen the past two seasons:

Player, Team(s)	Games Played	Goals	Assists	Points
1. Sergei Gonchar, Penguins	160	25	107	132
2. Nicklas Lidstrom, Red Wings	156	23	109	132
3. Tomas Kaberle, Maple Leafs	156	19	92	111
4. Dion Phaneuf, Flames	161	34	76	110
6. Brian Rafalski, Devils/Red Wings	155	21	89	110
6. Brian Campbell, Sabres/Sharks	165	14	96	110
7. Andre Markov, Canadiens	159	22	85	107
8. Chris Pronger, Ducks	138	25	77	102
9. Lubomir Visnovsky, Kings	151	26	73	99
9. Ryan Whitney, Penguins	157	26	73	99
11. Kimmo Timonen, Predators/Flyers	160	21	78	99

Not bad company when you consider the likes of Zdeno Chara, Ed Jovanovski and Jay Bouwmeester aren't on the list.

Whitney's defense is inconsistent to be kind. His presence in front of his net can be downright atrocious on far too many occasions (possibly due to his foot ailment). Those aspects of his game won't be missed.

But his offense won't be replaced easily. Especially when you consider the totals he's racked up being the team's No. 2 defenseman primarily the past two seasons.

(Photo: Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)

EMPTY NETTER ASSISTS

Penguins

-The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins will announce their new assistant coach and third jersey today.

-The Penguins re-signed Wheeling Nailers goaltender Curtis Darling and signed goaltender Adam Berkhoel.

-A look at the Penguins' organizational depth chart.

Atlantic Division

-The agent for former Maple Leafs forward Mats Sundin denied a report his client is interested in the Rangers.

Northeast Division

-The Sabres will unveil a third jersey Oct. 20.

Southeast Division

-By the sounds of things, Hurricanes forward Chad LaRose would be the Pirates' second best pitcher at least.