James Wisniewski

James Wisniewski (born February 21, 1984, in Canton, Michigan) is an American professional ice hockey player currently with the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL.

Playing career
Wisniewski started his junior hockey career with his hometown Plymouth Whalers of the OHL, in 2000. He improved every year significantly, and was drafted in the 4th round by the Blackhawks in 2002. At the start of the 2003–04 season, he was named captain of the Whalers. Wielding a rocket slap-shot (good for 17 goals, 11 on the power-play), "Wiz" was arguably the most feared defenseman in the OHL that year. He finished 24th in overall scoring with 70 points, but 3rd in defenseman scoring, short 6 points of Kingston Frontenacs defenseman Bryan Rodney. However, Wisniewski played in 17 less games, playing in only 50 to Rodney's 67 (in a 68 game season). For his work, Wisniewski was awarded the OHL's 2004 Max Kaminsky Trophy as most outstanding defenceman. The accolades didn't stop there, as Wisniewski also took home the parent league, CHL's Defenseman of the Year award. This recognition gained Wisniewski a contract with Chicago, and a jump to the AHL's Norfolk Admirals.

Wisniewski was called up early to the Blackhawks in the 2006–07 season and has since stuck with the Blackhawks. James tore his ACL during the 1st period against Los Angeles on March 5, 2007. He was placed on injured reserve and missed the rest of the 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.

Awards and achievements

 * 2000–01 OHL  First All-Rookie Team
 * 2003–04 OHL  First All-Star Team
 * 2003–04 OHL  Max Kaminsky Trophy
 * 2003–04 CHL  First All-Star Team
 * 2003–04 CHL  Defenceman of the Year

International play
Played for United States in:


 * 2002 World U18 Championships (Gold Medal)
 * 2003 World Junior Championships
 * 2004 World Junior Championships (Gold Medal)
 * 2008 World Championships