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James Wisniewski

41-Year-Old DefensemanD
 Free Agent  
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2025 Fantasy Outlook
There was no outlook written for James Wisniewski in 2025. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.
Shoots Right
Height 5'11"
Weight 206
DOB 2/21/1984
Born Canton, Michigan
Drafted 5th Rd, #156 Overall in 2002
Signed with European team EC Kassel Huskies (Germany2) in October of 2017.
Seeking NHL return
DFree Agent
February 12, 2018
Wisniewski will try and sign an NHL contract after the Olympics, Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Even though Wisniewski was given a PTO with Tampa Bay and a chance with AHL Chicago following the ACL injury he suffered in 2015-16, he isn't calling it quits for North America's top league just yet. He's been playing in Germany with the EC Kassel Huskies in 2017-18, notching 44 points (nine goals, 35 assists) in 35 games, and will try to use the Olympics to showcase his skills to NHL suitors. Head coach Tony Granato did praise his shot following Team USA's practice, and if a team needs a right-handed defenseman for its second power-play unit, the 33-year-old could receive an offer.
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Traded to the Hurricanes in the offseason, it appears Wisniewski just can’t find a place to call home. The 31-year-old blueliner has now been a part of five different teams since the 2010-11 season. That being said, he still carries some fantasy intrigue, as a power-play quarterback just two years removed from a career-high 51-point season. While he didn’t fit in Anaheim after being acquired prior to last season's trade deadline, Wisniewski should have a larger role on a Carolina team that isn’t blessed with big blue line talents such as Cam Fowler, Sami Vatanen, and Hampus Lindholm. Justin Faulk has emerged as a top offensive defenseman with Carolina, but Wisniewski could occupy the other point on the top man-advantage unit behind the Staal brothers and Jeff Skinner. Despite seeing inconsistent ice time, Wisniewski scored seven power-play tallies last season and will surely pile on some points behind a Carolina squad that desperately needs his offense. Additionally, Wisniewski isn't afraid to pile up the shot attempts, and with the rearguard expected to receive the green light to fire away in 2015-16, he may make for a reasonable bounce-back target.
Wisniewski finally had the kind of season the Blue Jackets envisioned when they originally signed him three seasons ago, scoring an eye-popping 51 points in 75 games, good for eighth in scoring among defensemen. He benefited from an improved Columbus power play, as 28 of those points came with the man advantage, and while his injury history makes it tough to bank on a repeat performance, the young roster around Wisniewski should continue to get better, which may help soften the blow of any regression in his production.
Wisniewski's second verse in Columbus was the same as the first, as the offensively-gifted defenseman just couldn't stay healthy and managed only 14 points in 30 games. He's now scored 14 goals and 41 points (with a minus-14 rating) in 78 games over two seasons with the Blue Jackets, which gives you a good idea of what he's capable of over a full campaign. Until he proves he can stay in one piece, Wisniewski's probably not worth the risk in most fantasy formats.
On a point-per-game basis, Wisniewski almost lived up to his big free agent billing, scoring at a pace that would have seen him finish with 10 goals and 46 points over 82 games, but, between a suspension to start the season, a broken ankle and a concussion (along with lesser bumps and bruises) he managed to suit up for just 48 games. Heading into 2012-2013 he's got a top spot on the power play next to Jack Johnson sewn up, but also a cast of forwards in front of him sorely lacking in proven goal scorers to bang home the rebounds from his big shot. Don't expect more than about 40 points as a result, and another dreadful plus-minus.
Wisniewski turned his career year into big bucks, but just because he's cashed in doesn't mean you should expect a big drop in his production. The Blue Jackets have long needed a booming shot off the point for their power play unit, and with Rick Nash and Jeff Carter around to smack home any rebounds Wisniewski should continue to collect plenty of assists with the man advantage. Wisniewski was fifth in scoring among blue liners last season, and another top-15 finish seems well within reach.
Obtained by the Islanders for a 2011 third-round draft pick this past July, Wisniewski will be looked upon to give the Isles a tough presence in front of their own net. In other words, the Islanders are hoping he can perform the duties that the departed Brendan Witt could not.
Wisniewski had 24 points in 48 games last season and should be able to come close to doubling that total if he plays a full schedule. He will be on the second defensive line with Anaheim.
Wisniewski showed the ability to be a quality rearguard last season, notching seven goals and 19 assists in 68 games. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL and underwent ACL in July. The 24-year-old started skating in mid-September and should be ready to go in late December. The best option would probably be to pass him up on draft day, but monitor his progress and steal him off waivers before his return.
Wisniewski’s season ended early with a torn knee ligament, but it was the most time with the Hawks for the young defenseman. He has a good shot at staying with the Hawks this season, but he is at least behind Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook in terms of scoring for Hawks defensemen.
Had some good numbers for a defenseman in his rookie year for the Hawks with two goals and five assists in only 19 games. Could be a future scorer on defense. Might need another year of seasoning at Norfolk.
More Fantasy News
Inks deal with German club
DFree Agent
October 12, 2017
Wisniewski signed a contract with the EC Kassel Huskies in Germany on Wednesday, TSN reports.
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Signs PTO with AHL Chicago
DSt. Louis Blues  Foreign
January 26, 2017
Wisniewski signed a 25-game professional tryout contract with AHL Chicago on Thursday, Darren Dreger of TSN reports.
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Headed to KHL
DFree Agent
October 27, 2016
Wisniewski has signed a contract with the KHL's Vladivostok Admirals that includes an NHL out clause, Darren Dreger of TSN reports.
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Released by Lightning
DTampa Bay Lightning  Foreign
October 2, 2016
Wisniewski was released by the Lightning on Sunday, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
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Shaking off rust
DTampa Bay Lightning  Foreign
October 1, 2016
Wisniewski has shown his vision and passing ability at Bolts' camp, but he's still shaking off the rust after missing a full year after ACL surgery. "His reads sometimes are just ... it's based on rust and indecision on how we like to play," said associate coach Rick Bowness. "But for the most part, his positional play is good. He's where he's supposed to be. You've got to keep in the back of your mind he's missed a lot of time (and) he's coming off a very serious injury. You just have to be a little bit patient there."
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