Wisniewski, James

James Wisniewski was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 5th round of the 2002 entry draft. Wisniewski began his junior hockey playing for the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League in the year 2000. In his fourth and final year with the Whalers James Wisniewski was named captain of the Whalers. During that same year Wisniewski was awarded the OHL's 2004 Max Kaminsky Trophy as most outstanding defenceman. Wisniewski scored 70 points in 50 games that season including 17 goals and was recognized nation wide by winning the CHL's defenceman of the year award.

The following season saw Wisniewski graduate from the OHL to the AHL. James spent two seasons playing for the BlackHawk's affiliate team the Norfolk Admirals. During the latter part of Wisniewski's rookie season in the NHL, 2006-2007, he suffered a torn ACL which had him miss the rest of the 2006-2007 NHL season.

On March 4, 2009, Wisniewski was traded by the Blackhawks along with Petri Kontiola to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Samuel Pahlsson and Logan Stephenson. James Wizniewski found his groove with the Ducks and managed a career high 30 points in 69 games during the 2009-2010 season. On July 30, 2010, Wisniewski was traded by the Ducks to the New York Islanders for a conditional 3rd-round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. On December 28, 2010, he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens for second-round pick in the 2011 draft and conditional 5th round pick in the 2012 draft.

Wisniewski is an offensive defenceman with a gritty flare to him. He is a great puck mover capable of bringing the puck up ice and bolsters one of the heavier shots in the league which comes useful on the powerplay. Defensively Wisniewski finds himself out of position and a little too passive. Because of this James usually finds him on the negative side of the plus minus rating despite his high point totals for a defenceman.

James Wisniewski is listed as an inch shy of 6 feet tall but he is not afraid to throw his body around. He is often the culprit of big explosive hits. Wisniewski does not back down and will stand up for his teammates. He is not afraid to drop the gloves. James comes across as having a short temper and snaps easily. Because of this he seems to act before thinking and lets his emotions take control in the physical department. Some consider Wisniewski a dirty player.

On March 17, 2010, in a game against former team, the Blackhawks, Wisniewski delivered a retaliation hit to Brent Seabrook, his former teammate and good friend, driving his head against the glass. Wisniewski received an eight-game suspension for his hit. The last player to receive an 8 game suspension was former Duck Chris Pronger. On October 12, 2010, he was suspended for two games for making an obscene gesture towards Sean Avery.

Wisniewski started a clothing line called WizWear. According to Wisniewski, "I always like to dress nice and have my own style. We support the USO of Illinois, the families of fallen soldiers. I wanted to do something a little bit different to set up for a charity than a golf tournament or bowling event. It's something I can have a little bit of fun with also." Both of his grandfathers fought in World War II.

Wisniewski's nickname is "the Wiz" and he is the nephew of former NHL player and coach Billy Dea.