Penguins D Whitney could miss five months

Aug 16, 2008 - 2:23 PM PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- Pittsuburgh Penguins defenseman Ryan Whitney will miss three to five months after undergoing surgery to correct a chronic condition in his left foot, the team announced Saturday.

The procedure will force Whitney to miss the start of the 2008-09 season.

"Ryan has been bothered by this condition in his foot for some time," Penguins general manager Ray Shero said. "He consulted with a number of specialists in an effort to correct the problem without surgery, but it was ultimately determined that surgery was the best path to take - for his general well-being, and for his career.

"Obviously, he will miss the start of the 2008-09 season, but the doctors tell us he will be able to play pain-free when he returns to the lineup this season."

Whitney, 25, registered 12 goals and 40 points in 76 games last season, helping the Penguins reach the Stanley Cup Finals. He had one goal and six points in the club's playoff run.