Career Timeline of Paul Bissonnette: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Paul Bissonnette, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Paul Bissonnette, nicknamed "Biz Nasty," is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Phoenix Coyotes. Following his playing career, Bissonnette transitioned to a media personality, becoming known for his commentary and presence in the hockey world.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2001: Drafted by the North Bay Centennials

In 2001, at age 16, Bissonnette was drafted 31st overall by the Ontario Hockey League (OHL)'s North Bay Centennials in the 2001 OHL Priority Selection.

2003: Selected in the NHL Entry Draft

In 2003, Bissonnette was selected in the fourth round, 121st overall, of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins while playing with the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL.

2004: Served as the Spirit captain

During the 2003–04 season, Paul Bissonnette served as the Saginaw Spirit captain and finished ninth in points. He played another half season with the Spirit before being traded to the Owen Sound Attack.

November 12, 2005: First professional fighting major

On November 12, 2005, Bissonnette received his first professional fighting major when he fought Jordan Smith of the Portland Pirates while playing for the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL.

February 25, 2006: First professional goal in the AHL

On February 25, 2006, Bissonnette scored his first professional goal in the AHL on goaltender Maxime Ouellet of the Manitoba Moose.

2007: Recalled by Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

In 2007, after 22 games with the Wheeling Nailers, Bissonnette was recalled by Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for the remainder of the season.

October 16, 2008: First NHL fighting major

On October 16, 2008, Bissonnette earned his first NHL fighting major when he fought Matt Bradley of the Washington Capitals, bloodying Bradley's nose.

January 13, 2009: First career NHL point

On January 13, 2009, Bissonnette recorded his first career NHL point, assisting on a goal by Tyler Kennedy against the Philadelphia Flyers.

October 1, 2009: Claimed off waivers by the Phoenix Coyotes

On October 1, 2009, Bissonnette was claimed off waivers by the Phoenix Coyotes after failing to make the Pittsburgh Penguins' NHL roster out of training camp.

October 5, 2011: Signed contract extension with the Coyotes

On October 5, 2011, Bissonnette signed a two-year contract extension with the Coyotes.

November 1, 2012: Signed with the Cardiff Devils

On November 1, 2012, with the 2012–13 NHL lock-out in effect, Bissonnette signed with the Cardiff Devils of the British Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL).

2013: Left the Coyotes organization

Paul Bissonnette left the Coyotes' organization after five seasons following the 2013-14 season.

September 16, 2014: Accepted a tryout agreement from the St. Louis Blues

On September 16, 2014, Paul Bissonnette accepted a tryout agreement from the St. Louis Blues to attend their training camp.

February 3, 2015: Signed with the Manchester Monarchs

On February 3, 2015, after 19 games with the Manchester Monarchs, the team signed Bissonnette to a standard AHL contract for the remainder of the season.

July 8, 2015: Signed with the Ontario Reign

On July 8, 2015, the Ontario Reign signed Bissonnette to a one-year contract after the Monarchs moved to the ECHL and the Reign became the Kings' AHL affiliate.

July 6, 2016: Returned to the Reign

On July 6, 2016, Bissonnette returned to the Ontario Reign after signing a one-year extension.

June 24, 2017: Joined the Coyotes' radio booth

On June 24, 2017, it was announced that Bissonnette would join the Coyotes' radio booth as a color commentator, replacing Nick Boynton.

April 11, 2018: Joined Spittin' Chiclets podcast

On April 11, 2018, Bissonnette was announced as a new member of the Barstool Sports' podcast, "Spittin' Chiclets", joining former Penguins' teammate Ryan Whitney.

February 2019: Partnered with CaniBrands

In February 2019, Bissonnette partnered with CaniBrands, a CBD health and wellness company, as the company's Sports and Media Ambassador.

2021: Joined NHL on TNT as an analyst

In 2021, Turner Sports announced that Bissonnette would be joining the company as a pregame and intermission analyst for the NHL on TNT, alongside Wayne Gretzky, Anson Carter, and Rick Tocchet.