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Bissonnette to join AHL club (Update: He’s signed with Portland)

Phoenix Coyotes v Pittsburgh Penguins

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 25: Paul Bissonnette #12 of the Phoenix Coyotes skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the game at Consol Energy Center on March 25, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

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The agent for Paul Bissonnette has confirmed to ProHockeyTalk the forward is in talks to join an American Hockey League team.

According to Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic, the Arizona Coyotes have had discussions with Bissonnette. Arizona’s AHL affiliate is the Portland Pirates.

Updated: Bissonnette’s agent confirmed that his client has signed an AHL deal with the Portland Pirates.

#Coyotes confirm they’re in discussions with Bissonnette regarding a possible AHL contract.

— Sarah McLellan (@azc_mclellan) October 26, 2014

Bissonnette had agreed to join the Cardiff Devils of the British Elite Ice Hockey League on Friday.

On Sunday, the Devils confirmed Bissonnette would not be joining the club.

“I just heard from Paul today (Sunday) prior to our game and he explained that he has been offered a deal in the American Hockey League that he hopes will lead to an NHL deal later this season,” said Devils Managing Director, Todd Kelman. “I told him that I was happy for him that he is getting a chance to get back to the NHL and as much as we are disappointed, we wish him success.

“I still would’ve taken the risk to bring him in. No hesitation on that, we had to try.”

Bissonnette, 29, has previously spent parts of four seasons in the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

In 202 career NHL games with Pittsburgh and Arizona, Bissonnette has seven goals and 22 points to go along with 340 penalty minutes.

Follow @dcmahiban