Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ryan Whitney (ice hockey)

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Ryan Whitney (ice hockey) made an impact.

Ryan Whitney is a former American professional ice hockey defenseman. Known for his NHL career, he gained further recognition as a co-host of the popular Barstool Sports podcast, Spittin' Chiclets, alongside Paul Bissonnette. His media presence extends to co-hosting 'The Unnamed Show' with Kirk Minihane and Dave Portnoy. In 2019, he collaborated with New Amsterdam to create 'Pink Whitney', a pink lemonade-flavored vodka, showcasing his influence beyond the realm of sports.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1997: Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 1997, as a youth, Ryan Whitney played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from the South Shore.

1998: Enrolled at Thayer Academy

In 1998, Ryan Whitney enrolled at Thayer Academy in Braintree, Massachusetts and played on their hockey team, where he was often paired with Brooks Orpik.

2000: World U-17 Hockey Challenge

In 2000, Ryan Whitney first represented USA Hockey at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge, playing six games and scoring his first international goal.

2001: IIHF U18 Championships

In 2001, Ryan Whitney played in the IIHF U18 Championships, picking up a single assist in six games.

2002: 2002 World Juniors

In 2002, Ryan Whitney played for the United States' U20 team at the World Juniors, picking up his first international goal and posting 3 points.

2002: Drafted by Pittsburgh Penguins

In 2002, Ryan Whitney was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins fifth overall in the NHL Entry Draft, after his freshman year at Boston University.

2002: Hockey East All-Rookie Team Selection and NHL Draft

In 2002, after recording 21 points in 35 games in his freshman year, Ryan Whitney was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team. He was subsequently selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins as the fifth overall pick in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

2003: 2003 World Juniors

In 2003, Ryan Whitney played in the World Juniors, picking up five points in seven games for the United States.

2004: Joins Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

In 2004, Ryan Whitney joined Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for the 2004-05 season and played 80 games.

2004: Calder Cup Playoffs with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

In 2004, after forgoing his senior year of college, Ryan Whitney was assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for the Calder Cup Playoffs, recording 10 points in 20 games.

October 31, 2005: NHL Debut with Pittsburgh

On October 31, 2005, Ryan Whitney made his NHL debut with Pittsburgh after being called up to replace an injured player.

December 1, 2005: First NHL Goal

On December 1, 2005, Ryan Whitney scored his first NHL goal against Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers.

2005: NHL Rookie Season

In 2005, Ryan Whitney played his NHL rookie season, following three seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins' minor league affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

2006: Emergence as Top Offensive Defenseman

In 2006, Ryan Whitney emerged as a top offensive defenseman in the league with 59 points and helped the Penguins improve and earn a playoff berth.

2007: Signed Six-Year Contract

During the 2007 off-season, Ryan Whitney signed a six-year, $24 million contract with a no-trade clause, avoiding his pending restricted free agency.

June 4, 2008: Stanley Cup Finals Loss

On June 4, 2008, Ryan Whitney and the Pittsburgh Penguins were defeated in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Detroit Red Wings.

December 23, 2008: Return to Pittsburgh

On December 23, 2008, Ryan Whitney made his return to Pittsburgh after recovering from foot surgery, in a loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2008: Stanley Cup Finals with Pittsburgh

Ryan Whitney helped the Pittsburgh Penguins reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 2008, where they were eventually defeated.

February 26, 2009: Traded to Anaheim Ducks

On February 26, 2009, Ryan Whitney was traded to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Chris Kunitz and Eric Tangradi.

2009: Trade to the Anaheim Ducks

During the 2008-09 season, Ryan Whitney was traded mid-season to the Anaheim Ducks.

2009: Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Ducks

In 2009, Ryan Whitney scored one goal and five assists during the Stanley Cup playoffs as a member of the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks lost in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals to the Detroit Red Wings.

March 3, 2010: Traded to Edmonton Oilers

On March 3, 2010, Ryan Whitney was traded to the Edmonton Oilers along with a draft pick in exchange for Ľubomír Višňovský, marking the second time he was traded within a year.

2010: Silver Medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics

In 2010, Ryan Whitney represented the United States in international competitions, winning a silver medal at the Winter Olympics.

2010: Selection for 2010 Winter Olympic Games

In 2010, Ryan Whitney was selected to represent the United States in the Winter Olympic Games as a replacement for injured defensemen.

April 28, 2013: Departure from the Oilers

On April 28, 2013, it was announced that Ryan Whitney would not be returning to the Edmonton Oilers for a fifth season.

September 29, 2013: Signed with Florida Panthers

On September 29, 2013, Ryan Whitney signed a one-year contract with the Florida Panthers.

November 8, 2013: Placed on Waivers

On November 8, 2013, after appearing scoreless in seven games, Ryan Whitney was placed on waivers by the Florida Panthers.

2013: Unrestricted Free Agent

Following the 2013-14 season, Ryan Whitney became an unrestricted free agent after playing for the Florida Panthers. He failed to sign a contract with an NHL team.