Education
Niskanen attended the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Niskanen attended the University of Minnesota Duluth.
He was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the first round, 28th overall, in the 2005 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Amateur
In 2005-2006, during his freshman season, he recorded 14 points in 38 games. Before that, Niskanen played for the Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl boys" hockey team and helped bring the Blue Devils to their first state high school tournament appearance.
During 2006-2007, his sophomore season at UMD, he recorded nine goals and twenty-two assists in thirty-nine games.
Niskanen was named to the 2006-2007 All WCHA First Team, and the All WCHA academic Team. Niskanen decided to leave college and turn pro after his sophomore season at UMD. On March 19, 2007, he signed an amateur tryout contract with the Iowa Stars for the rest of the season.
He later signed a three-year National Hockey League contract with the Dallas Stars which began in 2007-2008. He subsequently made the Stars" 2007-2008 roster out of training camp.
Professional
Niskanen made his National Hockey League regular season debut against the Colorado Avalanche on October 3, 2007.
He recorded his first National Hockey League points against the Boston Bruins two nights later with two assists. His first National Hockey League goal came on October 29, 2007, against the San Jose Sharks. Niskanen had an excellent rookie start with the Stars, leading the team in plus/minus at mid-season, which resulted in his being invited to the Young Stars game during the 2008 National Hockey League All-Star weekend.
On February 21, 2011, Niskanen was traded, along with teammate James Neal, to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Alex Goligoski.
In the final year of his contract with the Penguins and approaching free agency, Niskanen finished the 2013-2014 season establishing new career highs in goals (10) & assists (36) for 46 points. On July 1, 2014, Niskanen signed a seven-year, $40.25 million contract as a free agent with the Washington Capitals.