James Wisniewski and the Case of the Missing Ice Time
Mar 11, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Anaheim Ducks defenseman James Wisniewski (20) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
On March 2nd, 2015, D James Wisniewski was traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets along with a 2015 3rd round pick to the Anaheim Ducks for RW Rene Bourque, C William Karlsson and a 2015 2nd rounder. The deal was a classic buyer/seller deadline deal. The Ducks were looking to bolster up their blueline for their Cup push as they sat in first place while the Jackets were drowning in the injury pool of the 2014-2015 season. The Jackets didn’t see Wisniewski, a 31 year old in his 12th NHL season, in the future plans especially carrying 2 more seasons on his contract that would pay $5 and $3 million over the next two seasons. The Ducks, on the other hand, were looking for every competitive edge after last year’s early exit to the eventual champions, Los Angeles Kings.
Ducks’ General Manager, Bob Murray was quoted by ESPN following the trade saying, “Hopefully we’re capable now to compete against most of the teams in our conference.” Though I feel there was a bit of radiational irony emitting in the air as the Ducks sat atop the standings.
Jarmo Kekalainen, Jackets’ GM, explained his reasoning as, “We have some really good defensemen emerging into a similar role that James filled with our team.” Odd wording from Jarmo considering the blueline is the weakest of the Jackets’ roster with not much coming up. Either way, no one was too upset or concerned, as the trade made sense since we were building younger and gaining more assets.
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Although Wisniewski was 31, he was coming off his best season offensively with 7 goals, 44 assists for a total of 51 points, 21 above his previous best. Even when he was traded he had 8 goals, again a career high, and seemed to be finally showing off what could have been after a string of injury plague seasons. He would never be a lock down defender who could control the zone, a tad bit too aggressive at times but he seemed to be emerging more offensively with a solid shot from the point and tape to tape passing. Perfect veteran talent to help tip the scales more in your favor during a dog fight playoff series.
But it hasn’t worked out in that regard. You’re more likely to find Wisniewski on the back of a milk carton than on the screen during a playoff game. Through 9 games and 2 complete series, Wisniewski has yet to see any playoff ice. Part of it could be poor match-ups. The Ducks’ first foe was the Winnipeg Jets who deployed big bodied forwards to be physical in the zone, not one of Wisniewski’s strong suits but it seems to be more than just that.
Ducks’ coach Bruce Boudreau was quoted by the Los Angeles Times praising the chemistry and guys above Wisniewski, Sami Vantanen and Clayton Stoner “They have been teamed up all year. Sami seems to play his best with Clayton and now Clayton is fully healthy. So I don’t see why he would lose his position. He’s been injured a little bit down the stretch. Now that he’s healthy, I think those two have made a great pair all year.”
Wisniewski responded in stride, “You’re never really expecting this … it is what it is. You’ve got to be ready to play when you’re called upon and be professional and help any way possible with work ethic and practices. And try to be a leader and help out anybody else however you can.”
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Circumstances can change, though generally not when things are going so well. The Ducks have met very little resistance so far with an 8-1 playoff record but a far more daunting match-up awaits with the Chicago Blackhawks for a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals. Maybe then Wisniewski will get to prove to the Anaheim fans why we have their 2nd round pick and their former young prospect in Karlsson.
As a fan you never want to see a former player fail, not one who earned your respect and parted ways amicably. BUT you very rarely want to see that player go on to be a big part of a different team’s Cup Win. Yes- Ray Bourque . No- Marian Gaborik Hell No-Watching the Rangers take what was essentially supposed to be the face and engine behind your franchise push for a Cup, a game away from making it while you still struggle to win your first playoff series. That would hurt the worst. So if it comes down to Ducks-Rangers, I’m sure all of Columbus will be hoping for Wisniewski to hoist that cup….just maybe not being a superstar in the process.