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The Pittsburgh Penguins traded defenseman Ryan Whitney to the Anaheim Ducks for LW Chris Kunitz and prospect Eric Tangradi. It looks like a fair trade but is it going to change anything in terms of fantasy value?
For now Eric Tangardi is pretty irrelevant. It is unlikely he’ll play in the NHL this year. But keep an eye on him in the future as he is causing havoc in the OHL.
Chris Kunitz has yet to be assigned to a line but it is highly probable that he will play with Sid Crosby and Miroslav Satan. His numbers in Anaheim were solid but unspectacular. Sid Crosby may be able to set him up more frequently but I don’t see a significant change in Kunitz’ numbers. In fact, if Pittsburgh’s underachieving play continues it’s the +/- that will suffer the most. That said, Kunitz’ value will only increase if the Penguins are more successful than all season long.
There is no need to pick Kunitz up now, as you are always be able to find a serviceable wing.
Ryan Whitney has had a hugely disappointing season so far. He has 2 goals and 11 assists in 29 games since coming back from a foot injury.
It remains to be seen who his defensive partner is going to be as there may still be (a) trade(s) before the deadline on 4 March. One thing is for sure though; he has been acquired for his presence on the blue line. Anaheim’s power play is much better than Pittsburgh’s and with this important role for Ryan Whitney you should see him appear more often in the power play points column. I can see his +/- getting a boost as well.
Overall his numbers should be much improved but there is still the element of uncertainty, depending on whether or not there will be more trades in Anaheim until Wednesday.
You should certainly consider adding him if you are desperate for a defenseman, and there aren’t many productive ones available.
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