Anthony Bitetto

Anthony Bitetto (born July 15, 1990) is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman. He most notably played in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Early life Bitetto grew up on Long Island, New York and was a New York Rangers fan throughout childhood.

Playing career He was selected 168th overall in the 2010 NHL entry draft by the Predators before committing to a collegiate career with Northeastern University in the Hockey East conference.

On March 29, 2012, Bitetto was signed to a two-year entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators. He then began his professional career in the 2012 playoffs with the Predators American Hockey League affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals.

In the 2014–15 season, his third full professional season and leading the Admirals in scoring by a defenseman, Bitetto was recalled by the Predators and made his NHL debut against the Detroit Red Wings in a 5–2 defeat on January 17, 2015. Bitetto signed a two-year contract to stay with the Predators on February 26, 2016, and he scored his first career NHL goal on March 9, 2016, in a game against the Calgary Flames.

On January 9, 2018, Bitetto re-signed with the Predators.

During the 2018–19 season, Bitetto appeared in 18 games before he was placed on waivers by the Predators and claimed by division rival Minnesota Wild the following day, on January 25, 2019.

As a free agent from the Wild, Bitetto agreed to a one-year, two-way contract in joining his third central division club, the Winnipeg Jets, on July 2, 2019. Through 51 games with the Jets in the 2019–20 season, Bitetto registered career highs with 8 assists for 8 points, plus/minus rating, and average ice time (15:10). Bitetto led the Jets in hits per game (2.84) and ranked 23rd in the NHL, as well as fifth among NHL defensemen.

On October 9, 2020, Bitetto left the Jets as a free agent, and signed to a two-year, two-way contract with the New York Rangers. Growing up a Rangers fan, he said he was "speechless" playing in his first game as a Ranger at Madison Square Garden. During a game against the Washington Capitals on February 4, 2021, Bitetto scored his first goal as a Ranger in a 4–2 win. He had gone 112 games without a goal; his last goal was on November 18, 2017.

During the 2021–22 season, the Rangers traded Bitetto to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Nick Merkley at the NHL trade deadline on March 21, 2022.

As a free agent in the off-season, Bitetto was signed to a one-year, two-way contract, with the Florida Panthers on July 13, 2022. His signing marked a reunion with former coach Paul Maurice during his tenure with the Winnipeg Jets.

After going unsigned throughout free agency, Bitetto announced his retirement on October 4, 2023.

Career statistics

Awards and honors Award Year USHL Clark Cup (Indiana Ice) 2009 Second All-Star Team 2010 College Hockey East All-Rookie Team 2011