Luke Witkowski

Luke Witkowski (born April 14, 1990) is an American professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for Skellefteå AIK in the SHL.

Witkowski was selected by the Texas Tornado in the 2007 NAHL Draft, but played in the United States Hockey League for the Fargo Force.

[5] On January 20, 2015, Witkowski made his NHL debut in a Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1 victory over the visiting Vancouver Canucks.

Witkowski played in 16 games in two stints with the Lightning during the 2014–15 NHL season, where his physical brand of hockey helped the team through a series of injuries on defense.

Witkowski also made his Stanley Cup Playoff debut, where he appeared in two games during the second round against the New York Islanders.

Witkowski would start his fourth full season with the Crunch, and had previously been a captain for two years at Western Michigan and one with Fargo of the USHL.

[13] On November 15, 2017, Witkowski was suspended ten games by the NHL for returning to the ice to take part in an altercation after being escorted off by an official.

[15] On July 1, 2019, having left the Red Wings as a free agent, Witkowski returned to his former club, the Tampa Bay Lightning in signing a two-year, two-way contract.

[19] On March 21, 2022, he was traded to the St. Louis Blues, along with Nick Leddy, in exchange for Oskar Sundqvist, Jake Walman and a second-round pick in 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

After 10 full professional seasons in North America, Wiktkowski opted to pursue a European career by signing an initial one-year contract with Finnish club, Tappara of the Liiga, on September 21, 2023.