Columbus Blue Jackets Player Profiles: Defense
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
James Joseph Wisniewski was born in Canton, Michigan and began playing with the Plymouth Whalers (OHL) in 2000. He was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2002 in the 5th round. He continued to play for the Whalers, earning the title of captain in 2003. Wiz signed with Chicago in 2004 and played in the AHL for two seasons.
He played for the Blackhawks in the 2006 season, but was injured in March of 2007 and missed the rest of the season. He was traded to the Anaheim Ducks in March of 2009 and had 30 points in 69 games. Wiz was traded in July of 2010 to the New York Islanders for a 3rd round draft pick in 2011. He was traded in December of 2010 to the Monreal Canadiens for a second round pick in 2011 and a 5th round pick in 2012. In June of 2011, he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a 5th round pick in 2012. During the shortened 2012-13 NHL Season, Wiz wore an “A” on his jersey and had 14 points. He is known for his slap shot and has one of the best defensive shots in the NHL. Wiz also runs a charity clothing store called Wiz Wear that supports military charities.