Paul Bissonnette is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who gained recognition during his career in the National Hockey League (NHL).
He played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Phoenix Coyotes before transitioning to a successful media career. Currently, he is a studio analyst for NHL on TNT and co-hosts the popular Barstool Sports hockey podcast, Spittin’ Chiclets.
File
- Full name: Paul Albert Bissonnette
- Stage name: Paul Bissonnette
- Date of birth: March 11, 1985
- Age: 39 years old
- Place of birth: Welland, Ontario, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian
- Occupation: Former Canadian professional ice hockey player
- Height: 1.88 m
- Parents: Yolande Bissonnette and Cam Bissonnette
- Siblings: One older sister (name unknown)
- Spouse: Unknown
- Children: Unknown
- Relationship: Unknown
- Net worth: 4 million USD – 5 million USD
Early life and education
Paul Albert Bissonnette was born on March 11, 1985 in Welland, Ontario, Canada. His mother, Yolande Bissonnette, is a professor of office administration at Niagara College, and his father, Cam Bissonnette, worked as a steel worker.
He attended Notre Dame College in Ontario, where he began honing his hockey skills. He then played in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2003. Bissonnette is French Canadian and of biracial heritage, as his mother is half black. He is a Christian.
Career
Paul Bissonnette’s professional hockey journey began at age 16 when he was drafted 31st overall by the OHL’s North Bay Centennials in the 2001 OHL Priority Draft. He played 57 games in his rookie season, scored 3 goals and 3 assists.
In 2003, Bissonnette was selected in the fourth round (121st overall) of the NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins. He served as captain of the Saginaw Spirit during the 2003–04 OHL season, demonstrating strong leadership skills.
After a stint with the Owen Sound Attack, he transitioned to professional hockey, starting with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL. His NHL career officially began when the Phoenix Coyotes claimed him off waivers in 2009.
Notably, Bissonnette scored his first NHL goal against Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens on November 12, 2009. He is also recognized for his physical style of play, often engaging in on-ice fights .
In 2014, after leaving the Coyotes, Bissonnette joined the St. Louis Blues. Louis Blues briefly for training camp before retiring from professional hockey.
Turn to media
After retiring, Bissonnette pursued a career in media. In 2021, he joined Turner Sports as a studio analyst for NHL on TNT, working alongside legends like Wayne Gretzky. In addition, he also co-chairs Spittin’ Chiclets with Ryan Whitney, providing humorous and insightful commentary on hockey culture.
Social Media
Personal life
Paul Bissonnette maintains a relatively private personal life. Details about his relationships, spouse or children are not made public as he wants to focus on his professional endeavors.
Net worth
Paul Bissonnette’s net worth is estimated to be between $4 million and $5 million, stemming from his NHL career, media roles, and various business ventures.
