James Wisniewski
D FA
Mon 2/12/18 8:23 PM

Wisniewski will try and sign an NHL contract after the Olympics, Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press reports.
EDGE 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 and 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 their second power-play unit, the 33-year-old could receive an offer.

James Wisniewski
D FA
Thu 10/12/17 4:05 PM

Wisniewski signed a contract with the EC Kassel Huskies in Germany on Wednesday, TSN reports.
EDGE Analysis
Once a fantasy relevant power-play quarterback, Wisniewski sustained a devastating ACL injury Opening Night of the 2015-16 season for the Hurricanes, and hasn't played in an NHL regular-season contest ever since. He did find his way into 21 games for AHL Chicago to supplement 16 more appearances with the Vladivostok Admiral of the KHL last season, but it looks as though he's content trying out the various leagues overseas.

James Wisniewski
D FA
Thu 1/26/17 8:31 PM

Wisniewski signed a 25-game professional tryout contract with AHL Chicago on Thursday, Darren Dreger of TSN reports.
EDGE Analysis
Wisniewski gets another crack at an NHL roster, but he will have to impress in the AHL first before getting a call to the big club. The 32-year-old put up four points and 39 penalty minutes this season for the KHL's Vladivostok Admiral, so he'll likely be looking to make his mark as an enforcer if he can get a chance with St. Louis.

James Wisniewski
D FA
Thu 10/27/16 6:02 PM

Wisniewski has signed a contract with the KHL's Vladivostok Admirals that includes an NHL out clause, Darren Dreger of TSN reports.
EDGE Analysis
Wisniewski has yet to play a 70-game season in the NHL and, despite the out clause in his deal, that's not likely to change with this move to Russia. He's completely off the radar for fantasy purposes.

James Wisniewski
D FA
Sun 10/2/16 3:12 PM

Wisniewski was released by the Lightning on Sunday, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
EDGE Analysis
Wisniewski was with the Lightning on a professional tryout agreement and despite optimism about potentially making the final roster, it appears Wisniewski will have to look elsewhere for work. The 32-year-old defenseman missed a full year after undergoing ACL surgery, so he could still be shaking off some rust and may find another team willing to give him a shot.

James Wisniewski
D FA
Sat 10/1/16 11:48 PM

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.
EDGE Analysis
"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." Wiz played 19:49 Saturday against the Preds and picked up an assist.

James Wisniewski
D FA
Sat 9/17/16 10:44 PM

Wisniewski, who played just one game last season due to an ACL injury, says "this is probably the most excited I've ever been coming into a training camp" even though he's entering the season on a tryout agreement, reports the Tampa Bay Times.
EDGE Analysis
"(General Manager Steve Yzerman) told me they really wanted a right-shot power play defenseman," Wisniewski said. "I've been in that role the last six years or so. So what better team to come to than a team that loves being here?" Wiz is a low-risk, high-reward fantasy pick this season, as he could slot into a specialty role on the power play for the Bolts. The team ranked 28th in 2015-16 with just a 15.8 percent success rate. And new Bolts' assistant coach Todd Richards understands the value Wisniewski can bring -- the defender played for him in Columbus. Five D spots are all but locked up, leaving Wiz to fight with two or three other guys for the remaining opening. But coach Jon Cooper likes to roll seven guys on the back end and Wiz might just be able to resurrect his career with a potential Stanley Cup fave.

James Wisniewski
D FA
Wed 8/10/16 6:26 PM

Wisniewski will attend Tampa Bay's training camp on a professional tryout agreement, James Mirtle of The Globe and Mail reports.
EDGE Analysis
Wisniewski logged just 47 seconds of ice time in 2015-16, as he suffered a season-ending ACL tear in the first period of Carolina's season opener on Oct. 8. The 32-year-old Michigan native's health remains a huge question mark, which is likely why he hasn't garnered more interest from defenseman-needy clubs this offseason. Wisniewski will hope to secure a bottom-pairing role with the Lightning in September's training camp.

James Wisniewski
D FA
Thu 8/4/16 2:53 PM

Wisniewski (knee) reported on Twitter that he was back to 100% ahead of the upcoming NHL season.
EDGE Analysis
Wisniewski is still looking for a place to call home after being bought out of his contract by the Hurricanes in June. The 32-year-old played in just one contest last year after undergoing surgery on his knee. If he can return to the form that saw him notch at least 30 points in four of his last seven seasons, which is far from guaranteed, the blueliner could be a discounted value play; assuming a team is willing to take a risk on him.

James Wisniewski
D FA
Thu 6/30/16 5:32 PM

Wisniewski (knee) will be a free agent after his contract was bought out by the Hurricanes on Thursday.
EDGE Analysis
Wisniewski was injured less than a minute into the opening game of the season and sat out the entire year rehabbing from surgery. Given his age, it is not surprising that the 32-year-old has been released and it seems unlikely he will be re-signed by Carolina. Since his recovery time remains vague, the blueliner's chances of landing with a new team seem equally uncertain.