Paul Albert Bissonnette, born on March 11, 1985, in Welland, Ontario, is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Phoenix Coyotes. Known by the nickname “Biz Nasty,” Bissonnette is now a studio analyst for NHL on TNT, serves as an analyst for the Arizona Coyotes’ TV and radio broadcasts, and co-hosts the Barstool Sports hockey podcast Spittin’ Chiclets alongside former NHL defenceman Ryan Whitney.
Paul Bissonnette Biography 2024
Bissonnette was chosen by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fourth round, 121st overall, of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft while playing for the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL. In the 2003–04 season, he served as the captain of the Spirit and ranked ninth in points. He spent part of the following season with Saginaw before being traded to the Owen Sound Attack, where he completed the 2004–05 season.
Paul Bissonnette Biography Details
| Born | March 11, 1985 (age 39)
Welland, Ontario, Canada |
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| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
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| Weight | 216 lb (98 kg; 15 st 6 lb) |
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| Position | Left wing |
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| Shot | Left |
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| Played for | Pittsburgh Penguins
Phoenix Coyotes
Cardiff Devils |
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| NHL draft | 121st overall, 2003
Pittsburgh Penguins |
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| Playing career | 2005–2017 |
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Paul Bissonnette Early Life
Bissonnette grew up in a family with his mother, Yolande, a long-time office administration professor at Niagara College, and his father, Cam, a steel worker. He is of French Canadian descent and was raised in French-language schools until grade seven. Bissonnette is also of biracial heritage, as his mother is half Black. He is an avid fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, a passion he carried both before and after his playing career.
At 16, Bissonnette was selected 31st overall by the North Bay Centennials in the 2001 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection. He played 57 games as a rookie, registering three goals and three assists. The Centennials later relocated and became the Saginaw Spirit, where Bissonnette was named co-captain. He also represented Canada’s under-18 team, winning gold at the 2003 Nations Cup. In the 2003 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game, Bissonnette earned the title of Team Orr’s player of the game after scoring a goal and fighting Dion Phaneuf.
Paul Bissonnette Bio
Category | Details |
Full Name | Paul Albert Bissonnette |
Birth Date | March 11, 1985 |
Birthplace | Welland, Ontario, Canada |
Parents | Yolande (mother), Cam (father) |
Heritage | French Canadian and biracial |
Education | Attended French-language schools until Grade 7 |
Early Career in Hockey
Category | Facts |
Drafted By | North Bay Centennials (OHL) in 2001 |
OHL Team | Saginaw Spirit (2001-2005) |
Role in OHL | Co-Captain of Saginaw Spirit |
International Achievement | Gold Medal at Nations Cup (2002) |
2003 Top Prospects Game | Named Team Orr Player of the Game |
Professional Career in the NHL
Team | League | Games Played (GP) | Goals (G) | Assists (A) | Points (Pts) |
Pittsburgh Penguins | NHL | 15 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Phoenix Coyotes | NHL | 187 | 7 | 14 | 21 |
Professional Career Stats
Category | Dates |
First NHL Fight | October 16, 2008, vs. Matt Bradley |
Career NHL Goals | 7 |
First NHL Goal | November 12, 2009, vs. Montreal Canadiens |
First NHL Point | January 13, 2009, assist on Tyler Kennedy’s goal |
Post-Playing Career and Media Roles
Category | Details |
Post-Hockey Role | Studio Analyst for NHL on TNT |
Podcast | Co-host of Spittin’ Chiclets with Ryan Whitney |
TV Debut | Joined Coyotes’ radio booth as color commentator (2017) |
Awards and Recognition
Category | Years |
Calder Cup Champion | 2015 (with Manchester Monarchs) |
ECHL All-Star Game | 2007 |
NHL Teams Played For
Team | Years Active |
Pittsburgh Penguins | 2008–2009 |
Phoenix Coyotes | 2009–2014 |
Key Career Events
Year | Event |
2005 | First professional fighting major |
2009 | First NHL point (assist) |
2011 | Signed two-year contract extension with Coyotes |
2012 | Signed with Cardiff Devils during lockout |
International Career
Year | Event |
2002 | Gold Medal at the U18 Nations Cup |
2003 | Gold Medal at IIHF U18 World Championship |
Impact on Hockey Community
Category | Information |
Personality | Known for his sense of humor and charisma |
Enforcer Role | Recognized as a tough player and enforcer |
Post-Career Impact | Remains a popular media personality |
Career Transitions and Changes
Category | Dates |
Post-Hockey Transition | Joined Barstool Sports in 2018 |
Other Media Ventures | Created “BizNasty Does BC” mockumentary series |
Personal Life and Interests
Category | Points |
Hockey Influence | Inspired by the Toronto Maple Leafs |
Social Media | Active on Twitter and Instagram |
Key Moments in Bissonnette’s Career
Moment | Years |
First Goal | Scored against Carey Price of the Canadiens (2009) |
Memorable Fight | Fought Jody Shelley of the San Jose Sharks (2009) |
Business Ventures
Company | Facts |
CaniBrands | Sports and Media Ambassador |
Final Seasons
Season | Team |
2014–2015 | Portland Pirates, Manchester Monarchs |
2016–2017 | Ontario Reign |
Career Stats Summary
Category | Data |
Games Played | 202 NHL, 270 AHL |
Goals | 7 NHL, 16 AHL |
Assists | 15 NHL, 27 AHL |
Post-Retirement Achievements
Achievement | Facts |
Spittin’ Chiclets Podcast | Co-host with Ryan Whitney |
Turner Sports Analyst | Joined NHL on TNT in 2021 |
Paul Bissonnette Net Worth
Paul Bissonnette’s estimated net worth is around $4 million.
Paul Bissonnette Summary
Paul Bissonnette journey from a tough, physical enforcer on the ice to a charismatic media personality is a testament to his diverse talents and engaging personality. His career in the NHL, while filled with hard hits and memorable fights, evolved into a successful post-playing career, where he remains a well-known voice in hockey. Whether on the ice or behind the microphone, Bissonnette continues to entertain and educate fans about the game of hockey, proving that his impact on the sport extends far beyond his playing days.
