Penguins D Whitney undergoes wrist surgery

Apr 27, 2007 - 12:08 AM PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- Ryan Whitney had a superb sophomore season. He took a necessary step toward at least duplicating his numbers in 2007-08.

Whitney, who helped the Pittsburgh Penguins reach the postseason for the first time since 2001 this past campaign, underwent successful wrist surgery Thursday, general manager Ray Shero announced.

The 24-year-old defenseman will rehabilitate the wrist for six to eight weeks and is expected to be ready in time for the start of training camp in the fall.

Drafted fifth overall in 2002, Whitney made his NHL debut in 2005-06, recording six goals and 32 assists in 68 games. He made marked improvement this season, notching 14 tallies - including nine on the power play - and 59 points in 81 contests to finish sixth among all defensemen in scoring.

A native of Massachusetts, Whitney added a goal and an assist in Pittsburgh's five-game loss to Ottawa in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.