Tenute was originally drafted by the
New Jersey Devils in
2003 NHL entry draft 261st overall, Tenute was later signed by the
Washington Capitals as a free agent in 2005. Playing primarily for the
Hershey Bears of the
American Hockey League during the 2005–06 season, he helped guide the team to the
Calder Cup. To date he has played one game in the
NHL with the
Capitals. On July 9, 2007, Tenute was signed as a free agent by the
Phoenix Coyotes. Joey Tenute played for
Finnish SM-liiga team
Jokerit during the 2008–09 season under coach
Glen Hanlon, coincidentally the same coach as in his only NHL game for Washington. During the 2009 off-season, Tenute signed with the
Frankfurt Lions. The Lions would cease operations at the 2009–10 season due to financial difficulties and Tenute signed with the
Hamburg Freezers. After two seasons in Germany, Tenute returned to Finland and signed an optional two-year contract with
Tappara of the SM-liiga on March 21, 2011. Midway through the
2012–13 season, on January 7, 2013, Tenute signed a contract with his hometown team, the Hamilton Bulldogs, of the AHL. On May 16, 2013, Tenute returned to continue his European career in signing an initial one-year contract with the Malmö Redhawks of the then
HockeyAllsvenskan. == Career statistics ==