VIDEO: Pens prospect Tangradi looks to overcome adversity

The Penguins hope Eric Tangradi will have a bright future in the NHL. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Last spring, in an effort to sure up their depth, on offense the Pittsburgh Penguins traded defenseman Ryan Whitney to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Chris Kunitz and prospect Eric Tangradi. They knew what they were getting with Kunitz, a perennial 20-goal scorer to play the wing on Sidney Crosby’s line. We all know how that worked out.

What the Pens’ didn’t know was whether or not Tangradi would develop into the NHL-caliber power forward that he has the potential to be. His future was further muddied when he was injured in a freak accident during Ontario League playoff game last year.

After a long summer of rehabilitation THN.com’s Ted Cooper caught up with Tangradi as he prepared to make the next step in his journey to the NHL.

REPORTER: Ted Cooper | Camera: John Van Dusen

Watch more THN.com video features HERE.