Wisniewski started his junior hockey career with the 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 defenceman in the OHL that year. He finished 24th in overall scoring with 70 points, but 3rd in defenceman scoring, short 6 points of Kingston Frontenacs defenceman 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 Defenceman 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 in the 2006-07 NHL Season and has 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 will miss the rest of the season.