Penguins Trade Ryan Whitney to Anaheim for Kunitz, Eric Tangradi

Penguins defenseman Ryan Whitney was out of the lineup on Wednesday night for what was described as "family matters." As it turns out, Whitney was traded to the Anaheim Ducks for forwards Chris Kunitz and Eric Tangradi.

Update: Whitney did have family matters to attend to in Boston. The trade happening on the following day was simply a coincidence.

For the Penguins, they finally get some help on their wings as Kunitz can provide immediate help up front, while Tangradi instantly becomes the best prospect in a depleted Pittsburgh farm system. According to Hockey'sFuture, he was the No. 2 prospect in Anaheim prior to the trade.

For Anaheim, you almost have to wonder if there is another move in the works, perhaps one involving Chris Pronger?

Whitney missed a large portion of this season due to foot surgery in the offseason, and has been largely ineffective since returning to the lineup. He's also one of the most controversial Penguins players in recent memory, as fans either love him or hate him. He's only 26, and recorded 59 points just a season ago.

He was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2002 NHL draft and has an impressive 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame, though he rarely uses it, with the possible exception of this epic beat down of Wade Redden in last year's playoffs. Though, in fairness, that's not really his game. He's a puck-mover.



He's signed through the end of the 2012-13 season for an average salary of $4 million per year.

It's a case of the Penguins dealing from a position of strength (offensive defensemen) to fill a glaring weakness (forwards). The Penguins still have Sergei Gonchar signed through the end of next season, as well as youngsters Kris Letang and Alex Goligoski.

Kunitz, 29, has 16 goals and 19 assists in 62 games this season, and is signed through the 2011-12 season. He's been a steady 20-goal scorer the past three seasons.

Tangradi, 20, is currently playing for the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League and has 87 points (38 goals, 49 assists) in 52 games. He's currently second in the league in scoring behind only John Tavares.