Paul Bissonnette

Early Life and Junior Career

Paul Bissonnette was born to Yolande and Cam Bissonnette in Welland, Ontario. His mother, of biracial background and half Black, was an office administration professor at Niagara College for three decades, while his father worked in the steel industry. Bissonnette is French Canadian and attended French-language schools until grade seven, and he grew up as a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. His hockey journey accelerated at age 16 when he was drafted 31st overall by the North Bay Centennials in the 2001 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. As an OHL rookie in the 2001-02 season, he played 57 games, recording three goals and three assists, before the franchise relocated to become the Saginaw Spirit. Bissonnette's role and profile grew with the Spirit, as he was named co-captain and earned a spot on Canada's under-18 team, which won gold at the 2003 Nations Cup. His physical style and charisma were on full display at the 2003 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game, where he was named Team Orr player of the game after scoring a goal and engaging in a fight with future NHL star Dion Phaneuf.

Professional Playing Career

The Pittsburgh Penguins selected Paul Bissonnette in the fourth round, 121st overall, of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft while he was still a defenceman with the Saginaw Spirit. He served as captain of the Spirit during the 2003-04 season, finishing ninth in team scoring, and was later traded to the Owen Sound Attack to complete his junior career. Bissonnette turned professional for the 2005-06 season, splitting time between the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers and the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He recorded his first professional fighting major on November 12, 2005, against Jordan Smith and scored his first AHL goal on February 25, 2006. His toughness was honed with guidance from veterans like Dennis Bonvie and Deryk Engelland, and he was named an ECHL all-star twice during his tenure in Wheeling.

Bissonnette earned a spot on the Pittsburgh Penguins' NHL roster to start the 2008-09 season. He fought Washington's Matt Bradley in his first notable NHL bout on October 16, 2008, and recorded his first NHL point, an assist, on January 13, 2009. His season concluded with a serious injury in the AHL playoffs when a skate cut his left wrist, causing nerve damage. After failing to make the Penguins out of camp in 2009, he was claimed off waivers by the Phoenix Coyotes on October 1. He scored his first of seven career NHL goals on November 12, 2009, against Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens. Bissonnette signed a two-year extension with the Coyotes in October 2011 and scored a memorable game-winning goal in front of his family on November 19 of that season.

Key NHL Seasons and Teams

• 2008-09 (Pittsburgh): Made NHL debut, recorded first point (assist) on January 13, 2009.
• 2009-10 (Phoenix): Claimed off waivers, scored first NHL goal on November 12, 2009.
• 2011-12 (Phoenix): Signed two-year extension, scored game-winning goal in front of family on November 19.
• 2012-13 (Phoenix/Cardiff): Played 10 games in EIHL during lockout, recording 21 points for Cardiff Devils.
• 2013-14 (Phoenix): Final season with Coyotes organization after five years.

Following the 2013-14 season, Bissonnette's NHL opportunities dwindled. He attended training camp with the St. Louis Blues on a tryout in September 2014 but was released. He had brief returns to the Cardiff Devils and the Coyotes' AHL affiliate in Portland before signing a tryout with the Los Angeles Kings' AHL team, the Manchester Monarchs, in December 2014. His persistence paid off as he earned a standard contract and, in 2015, won the Calder Cup as AHL champions with the Monarchs. He played the next two seasons with the franchise after it relocated and was renamed the Ontario Reign, officially retiring from professional hockey in September 2017.

Post-Playing Career in Broadcasting

Paul Bissonnette's transition from player to media personality began almost immediately after his retirement. On June 24, 2017, he was announced as the new colour commentator for the Arizona Coyotes' radio broadcasts, replacing Nick Boynton, and he officially confirmed his retirement on September 7, 2017. His big break in digital media came on April 11, 2018, when he joined the Barstool Sports podcast Spittin' Chiclets as a co-host alongside former Penguins teammate Ryan Whitney. The podcast quickly grew into one of the most popular hockey shows, known for its unfiltered player interviews and Bissonnette's humorous takes. In May 2018, he co-created and released a mockumentary series titled BizNasty Does BC, which featured 17 past and present NHL stars and highlighted locations across British Columbia.

Bissonnette's media profile expanded significantly in 2021 when Turner Sports hired him as a pregame and intermission analyst for the new NHL on TNT broadcast package. On the network, he works alongside hockey legends like Wayne Gretzky and analysts such as Anson Carter and Rick Tocchet. He continues his dual role as an analyst for the Coyotes' television and radio broadcasts, providing a unique player's perspective. In February 2019, he also entered the business world, partnering with CaniBrands, a CBD health and wellness company, as its Sports and Media Ambassador. His role on Spittin' Chiclets has led to participation in related events like the Sandbagger Invitational golf tournaments, where he has competed against other former NHL players and content creators.

Public Persona and Notable Incidents

Bissonnette's public persona, built on his 'Biz Nasty' nickname, is characterized by a blend of self-deprecating humour, honesty, and a deep connection to fan culture. His long-stated fandom for the Toronto Maple Leafs has become a recurring theme in his media work. In 2026, he publicly declared he was 'off the wagon' regarding the Leafs for the 2026-27 season, citing the team's playoff streak ending and a change in team dynamics, though he hinted a return to support was possible if the team performed well. This ongoing storyline was discussed on air with colleagues Wayne Gretzky and Liam McHugh, illustrating how his personal fandom integrates into his professional analysis. He pointed to the Leafs' team-building trip to Arizona and the additions of veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and first overall pick Gavin McKenna as signs of a changed atmosphere.

Beyond hockey commentary, Bissonnette participates in Barstool Sports' Sandbagger Invitational golf events, competing against former NHL players and content creators. He notably beat Sidney Crosby in one of the early events and participated in the inaugural Internet Invitational in August 2025. In November 2024, Bissonnette was the victim of an assault by six men at a Houston's Restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona. The assailants were quickly arrested by police and charged with assault and disorderly conduct, and Bissonnette later recounted the harrowing experience on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast. He detailed how the altercation began inside the restaurant, escalated to the parking lot, and ended with him taking refuge in a nearby CVS pharmacy, an incident that highlighted the unpredictable aspects of public life.

Career Statistics and Playing Profile

His role was primarily that of an enforcer and energy player, though he showed occasional offensive flashes, such as his 21-point stint in 10 games with the Cardiff Devils during the 2012 NHL lockout. Internationally, he won a gold medal with Canada's under-18 team at the 2003 Nations Cup. Bissonnette's statistics reflect a player whose value extended beyond the scoresheet, contributing through toughness, character, and a team-first attitude that later translated effectively into his broadcasting career. The notes also indicate he has appeared as an expert analyst on programs like the 'Today Show' and the 'Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams' on FanDuel TV in 2026 to discuss NHL predictions and the Stanley Cup Finals.

Media Impact and Current Activities

Paul Bissonnette holds a unique and influential position in hockey media with several concurrent roles. As a studio analyst for NHL on TNT, he provides insight and entertainment to a national American audience, often using his playing experience to break down the game. Simultaneously, his work as an analyst for the Arizona Coyotes' broadcasts keeps him connected to the team with which he spent the majority of his NHL career. His work on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast has had a major impact on hockey media by offering candid, player-driven conversations that appeal to both hardcore fans and casual observers. The podcast's success has spawned live shows, major sponsorship deals, and the popular Sandbagger golf events.

Bissonnette's willingness to discuss his own career frankly, including its challenges and his post-retirement ventures, has made him a relatable figure. His journey from a fourth-round draft pick and NHL enforcer to a media personality demonstrates a successful reinvention. In 2026, he continued to be a sought-after commentator, appearing on CBC Sports to discuss the men's Olympic hockey tournament and making regular predictions about the NHL season. His declaration about stepping back from his Toronto Maple Leafs fandom became a news story itself, covered by outlets like The Big Lead, showing how his opinions drive hockey discourse. Bissonnette's blend of professional analysis and personal fan perspective makes him one of the most recognizable Canadian voices in the sport today.

Awards, Honours and Business Ventures

Throughout his hockey career, Paul Bissonnette earned recognition primarily for his toughness and team contributions. In junior hockey, his most notable honour was being named Team Orr player of the game at the 2003 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game after his goal and fight. He also won a gold medal with Canada's national under-18 team at the 2003 Nations Cup. During his professional minor league tenure, he was selected as an ECHL all-star twice while playing for the Wheeling Nailers. His sole team championship came in the 2014-15 season when his Manchester Monarchs won the Calder Cup as American Hockey League champions.

Career Highlights and Recognitions

• 2003: Gold medal with Canada's under-18 team, Nations Cup.
• 2003: Named Team Orr player of the game, Home Hardware Top Prospects Game.
• 2006, 2008: Selected as an ECHL All-Star (Wheeling Nailers).
• 2015: Calder Cup champion (AHL) with the Manchester Monarchs.
• 2018: Co-creator and star of the mockumentary series 'BizNasty Does BC'.
• 2021: Hired as a national television analyst for NHL on TNT.

Beyond awards, Bissonnette has pursued business opportunities linked to his public profile. In February 2019, he formalized a partnership with CaniBrands, a CBD health and wellness company, taking on the role of Sports and Media Ambassador for the brand. This move capitalized on his connections in sports and media to promote the company's products. His media work itself functions as a business venture, with the Spittin' Chiclets podcast generating significant revenue through advertising and live events. His participation in golf events like the Sandbagger Invitationals also blends content creation with sponsorship and promotional activities, extending his brand beyond traditional hockey analysis.

Questions about Paul Bissonnette

What is Paul Bissonnette's nickname and why is he famous?

Paul Bissonnette is nicknamed 'Biz Nasty'. He is famous for his NHL playing career with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Phoenix Coyotes. He is also famous for his post-playing career as a hockey analyst. He is a studio analyst for NHL on TNT and a co-host of the Spittin' Chiclets podcast.

What does Paul Bissonnette do for work now after retiring from hockey?

Since retiring in 2017, Paul Bissonnette has built a career in hockey media with several roles. He is a studio analyst for the national NHL on TNT broadcasts in the United States, working alongside figures like Wayne Gretzky. He also serves as a colour commentator and analyst for the Arizona Coyotes' television and radio broadcasts. He is a co-host of the Barstool Sports hockey podcast Spittin' Chiclets with Ryan Whitney, which is a major part of his media presence.

Is Paul Bissonnette still a Toronto Maple Leafs fan?

Paul Bissonnette has been a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. In 2026, he stated he was off the Maple Leafs' wagon for the 2026-27 NHL season. He said this was due to the end of the team's playoff streak. He suggested he might return to supporting them if the team has a strong stretch of games.

What happened to Paul Bissonnette in Scottsdale in 2024?

In November 2024, Paul Bissonnette was assaulted by six men at a Houston's Restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona. The altercation began inside the establishment, escalated in the parking lot, and concluded with Bissonnette taking refuge in a nearby CVS pharmacy. The men involved were quickly arrested by police and charged with assault and disorderly conduct. Bissonnette later shared details of the frightening incident on an episode of the Spittin' Chiclets podcast.

Which NHL teams did Paul Bissonnette play for?

Paul Bissonnette played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Phoenix Coyotes in the National Hockey League. He began his NHL career with the Penguins in the 2008-09 season, earning his first fighting major and recording his first NHL point with the team. After failing to make the Penguins' roster out of training camp in 2009, he was claimed off waivers by the Phoenix Coyotes. He spent five seasons with the Coyotes organization, scoring his first NHL goal for them in November 2009.

Did Paul Bissonnette win any championships during his hockey career?

Yes, Paul Bissonnette won the Calder Cup as American Hockey League champions with the Manchester Monarchs in the 2014-15 season. Earlier in his career, he also achieved international success by winning a gold medal with Canada's under-18 team at the 2003 Nations Cup. During his junior career, he was named player of the game at the 2003 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game. However, he did not win a Stanley Cup during his NHL tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Phoenix Coyotes.

Sources and further reading

• Paul Bissonnette (Wikipedia)
• Paul Bissonnette claims he is off Maple Leafs' wagon for ... (thebiglead.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-24.