Bitetto came through the New York Apple Core youth hockey system that had already developed NHL players Rob Scuderi, Douglas Murray, Mark Eaton and Eric Nystrom.
Before being selected by the Nashville Predators in the sixth round (No. 168) of the 2010 NHL Draft, Bitetto helped Indiana of the United States Hockey League win the Clark Cup in the 2008-09 season and was named to the All-USHL second team in 2009-10, when he had five game-winning goals.
Bitetto came through the New York Apple Core youth hockey system that had already developed NHL players Rob Scuderi, Douglas Murray, Mark Eaton and Eric Nystrom.
Before being selected by the Nashville Predators in the sixth round (No. 168) of the 2010 NHL Draft, Bitetto helped Indiana of the United States Hockey League win the Clark Cup in the 2008-09 season and was named to the All-USHL second team in 2009-10, when he had five game-winning goals.
Bitetto began playing for Northeastern University in 2010-11, when he tied for second among Hockey East defensemen with 14 power-play points (three goals, 11 assists) and was named to the conference's all-rookie team. Bitetto also won the 2011 Ed Arrington Rookie of the Year Award, given to Northeastern's top freshman.
He led Northeastern defensemen with four goals and 15 points in his second season. He didn't miss a game in his two college seasons and turned pro at the end of 2011-12, playing one game in the Calder Cup Playoffs for Milwaukee of the American Hockey League.
Bitetto split 2012-13, his first full pro season, between Milwaukee and Cincinnati of the ECHL. In 2013-14 he finished as the team's leading scorer among defensemen (11 goals, 36 points). He also was tied for sixth among AHL defensemen in goals, tied for ninth with six power-play goals and was second among AHL defensemen in shooting percentage at 11.6.
The native of Island Park, New York, made his NHL debut Jan. 17, 2015, against the Detroit Red Wings and played seven games that season with the Predators. Among Milwaukee defensemen in 2014-15, he was first with four goals and second with 30 points.
Bitetto scored his first NHL goal March 9, 2016, against the Calgary Flames, and made his Stanley Cup Playoff debut April 15, 2016, against the Anaheim Ducks.
The Minnesota Wild claimed Bitetto on waivers on Jan. 25, 2019. He played 18 games for the Wild, then became a free agent and was signed by the Winnipeg Jets on July 2, 2019.
NOTES & TRANSACTIONS
- USHL Second All-Star Team (2010)
- Hockey East All-Rookie Team (2011)
- Claimed on waivers by Minnesota from Nashville, January 25, 2019.
- Signed as a free agent by Winnipeg, July 2, 2019.
- Signed as a free agent by NY Rangers, October 9, 2020.
- Traded to San Jose by NY Rangers for Nick Merkley, March 21, 2022.
- Signed as a free agent by Florida, July 13, 2022.
