Panthers sign former Wild draft pick

Nottingham Panthers have added forward Raphael Bussieres to their line-up for the upcoming Elite League season.

The Canadian was drafted by Minnesota Wild in 2012 and has 75 AHL games on his résumé plus over 50 in the ECHL.

He iced for Slovenian outfit HDD Olimpija Ljubljana in the EBEL last year.

Panthers ‘ boss Corey Neilson said: “He’s a second round draft pick in the NHL. He’s got good size, he’s very physical.

“He was on a poor team last year, but speaking to other coaches in that league the kid competed every night.

“He never left the team mid-season – he stuck with it. He’s got good hands, he’s a good skater. I like all things about him really – he’s young, he’s hungry.

“We’ve had some good feedback on him and I’m really glad he’s here.”