James Wisniewski is set to play his first game for the Canadiens in Tampa Bay on Wednesday.James Wisniewski is set to play his first game for the Canadiens in Tampa Bay on Wednesday. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Montreal Canadiens shored up their defence Tuesday, acquiring James Wisniewski from the New York Islanders for a pair of draft picks.

Wisniewski is scheduled to join the Canadiens on Wednesday in Tampa Bay.

New York received Montreal's second-round selection in 2011 and a conditional fifth-round pick in 2012.

Wisniewski, 26, played in 32 of the Islanders' 34 games this season. He was the team's top-scoring defenceman with 21 points (three goals, 18 assists).

Wisniewski has 118 points (20-98) in 286 career NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks and Islanders.