Report: James Wisniewski signs tryout contract with Lightning

James Wisniewski is getting a second chance.

The free-agent defenseman has signed a professional tryout contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, according to James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail.

The 32-year-old played just 47 seconds in his first game in his lone campaign with the Carolina Hurricanes after suffering a severe knee injury that required season-ending surgery.

While he has not seen action in nearly a year, prior to last season, Wisniewski split time with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Anaheim Ducks and hit a career high of eight goals in 69 games. During the 2013-14 season, Wisniewski managed a career-best 51 points in 75 games.

With just six defensemen under contract heading into next season and Nikita Nesterov still without a contract, Wisniewski could prove to be a valuable depth option for the Lightning.