Bissonnette inks Coyotes extension

The Phoenix Coyotes have signed forward Paul Bissonnette to a two-year contract extension, the team announced on Wednesday.

"We are very pleased to sign Paul to a multi-year extension," general manager Don Maloney said. "He plays an important role on our team and we are looking for him to take his game to the next level this season."

Last season, the 6-foot-2, 216-pound Bissonnette appeared in 48 regular season games with the Coyotes, registering one goal and a team-high 71 PIM. He made his postseason debut in Game 4 of the Western Conference Quarter-Final series against Detroit.

The 26-year-old native of Welland, Ontario has posted 4-3-7 and 210 PIM in 104 regular season games with Pittsburgh and Phoenix.

Bissonnette was claimed off waivers by the Coyotes on Sept. 30, 2009. He was originally drafted in the fourth round (121st overall) by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2003 Entry Draft.