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Ray of light Newest Wing Whitney thrilled to be with a winning teamPosted: Wednesday August 06, 2003 6:39 PMDETROIT (AP) -- When Ray Whitney learned the Detroit Red Wings were interested in signing him as a free agent, he said he had one message for his agent: Get the deal done fast before they change their minds. Whitney, 31, signed a three-year deal with Detroit that includes an option year and totals to $12.5 million. "When I had the opportunity to come here, it was a no-brainer," said Whitney, who had 24 goals and 76 points in the 2002-03 season. "Seeing that puck possession style and having a chance to be a part of it is great." Whitney, a veteran of 12 NHL seasons, played last season with the Red Wings' central division rivals, the Columbus Blue Jackets. He said he looked forward to playing with Detroit's skilled forwards Brett Hull, Steve Yzerman, Brendan Shanahan, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. Whitney has played left wing for the past couple of seasons, but can play all three forward positions. He spoke to reporters in the Red Wings' dressing room on Wednesday and said he was excited to be with a team with so much tradition. "When I put on this jersey, to think of all the people who have worn that same jersey ... ," he said. Whitney said Shanahan called him on Tuesday night to welcome him to the team. Whitney wore No. 14 in Columbus, but that belongs to Shanahan in Detroit. Whitney will wear No. 41 with Detroit.
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