Wisniewski looks for new start with Islanders

Hours after signing a one-year, $3.25 million deal with Anaheim last week, James Wisniewski hit the gym. When he finished his workout, he glanced down at his phone to see five missed calls. Wisniewski then called Ducks executive David McNab right away.

Upon hearing the news he had been traded to the Islanders, Wisniewski didn't express anger, frustration or even bewilderment at the way events had transpired that day. Instead, Wisniewski gave McNab a response he was likely not expecting.

"I said, 'Perfect. This will be sweet,' " Wisniewski recalled Friday night after being shipped out East.

Fast forward five days and the 26-year-old defenseman is just as eager to be a part of the Islanders. He's in town for a two-day visit getting comfortable with his new surroundings.

Emerging from the locker room after a workout, Wisniewski cracks a joke with the team trainer, greets the summer sales staff with a friendly hello in the hallway and solicits advice from a team official on the best places to live with his wife and two dogs.

"I'm really excited about this situation, coming into the beginning to middle stage of a rebuilding team where there is a foundation of some great, young talent," Wisniewski said. "I think I'll be able to be an important player to this team and hopefully be a tier-one defenseman."

Before being traded to Anaheim in 2009, Wisniewski was part of a core group of young defenseman in Chicago, including the dynamic tandem of Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. He was part of the early stages of a team that went on to win the Stanley Cup this season. He was disappointed that he wasn't a part of that magical run, but feels there is a opportunity for something similar on Long Island.

"I saw it as a big positive to come to a team that really, really wanted me," Wisniewski said. "I'm excited to play with a guy like Mark Streit, a premier defenseman who I've always said is one of the most underrated guys in the league. If I can play with him on the power play, then I think I'll be able to show my potential as an offensive guy as well."

Although general manager Garth Snow added defensemen Mark Eaton and Milan Jurcina earlier in July, Wisniewski has been the most notable addition to the Islanders' back end this summer. Snow was looking for an upgrade on defense and got that in the rugged blue-liner, who had 3 goals and 27 assists in 69 games for the Ducks while averaging 24 minutes and 20 seconds of ice time per game last season.

"I only know one way and that's 100 percent," Wisniewski said. "I'll hit, block shots, make offensive plays and when the time is right, I'll fight as well. I'll be someone who is in the game with one minute left who is trying to score the game-winning goal and prevent it as well."

Ironically, juxtaposed against the bronzed plaques of Islanders greats from the dynasty years that line the walls in Nassau Coliseum, Wisniewski reflected on what he'd like to accomplish while on Long Island.

"Hopefully, I can be part of the glory days here," he said.