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Ray of hope Red Wings sign Whitney to fill scoring voidPosted: Wednesday July 30, 2003 6:12 PMDETROIT (AP) -- Free agent forward Ray Whitney signed a three-year deal worth $9.75 million with the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday, helping fill the void created by Sergei Fedorov's departure. The contract for the 31-year-old, who led Columbus in scoring a year ago, includes a club and player option for a fourth year worth up to $4 million. "With the loss of Sergei Fedorov, we needed someone with the ability to put points on the board," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said in a statement. "We were looking for somebody that creates offense and that's really what Ray Whitney does." Agent J.P. Barry said Whitney, who was on vacation with family, was pleased to sign with a team that has a shot at the playoffs. "It is a big challenge for him," Barry said. "For him to go to a contender like this is very exciting." Barry said Whitney agreed to $3 million in the first year, $3.25 million the second and $3.5 million in the third. He said the fourth year club option is $3 million to $4 million, while the player option is $2.25 million to $3.5 million. Fedorov signed a five-year, $40 million contract with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks on July 19, leaving Detroit after 13 seasons. The free-agent center helped the Red Wings win three Stanley Cups. The 5-foot-10, 178-pound Whitney had a team-high 76 points with Columbus last season and recorded 52 assists, including an NHL-high 34 assists on power plays. Holland said Whitney usually plays left wing, but can play any forward position. "Not being big, people questioned his ability to put points on the board at every level and he proved them wrong every time," Holland said. |
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