Jason Bonsignore (b. April 15, 1976 in Rochester, New York) is a professional ice hockey forward, who is currently a free agent. He was drafted in the first round of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, 4th overall, by the Edmonton Oilers. He is widely considered to be one of the worst selections in the team's history, and his career has always been overshadowed by that of Edmonton's other first round choice, two picks later at 6th overall, Ryan Smyth.

[edit] Playing career

Bonsignore was drafted from the OHL's Sudbury Wolves, and remained in the Oilers organization until a blockbuster trade sent him to the Tampa Bay Lightning. After failing to impress Tampa Bay, Bonsignore bounced around in the minor leagues, playing for the farm team of the Toronto Maple Leafs and, after leaving hockey for two seasons, the Phoenix Coyotes, but was always unable to earn another NHL shot. His poor performance led to him eventually being relegated to the ECHL, although he was outstanding in a brief stint in Switzerland. He tried out with the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers in 2003 but was released towards the end of training camp [1].

For the 2005–06 season, Bonsignore headed to Europe. He completed a tryout with the Pelicans in the Finnish SM-liiga, and subsequently signed on for another tryout with Ilves.

In 2007–08, Bonsignore returned to North America, where he currently plays in the ECHL. After failing to score a goal in seven games with the Fresno Falcons, Bonsignore was traded for future considerations to the Trenton Devils.

[edit] Transactions

• December 30, 1997 - Edmonton trades Bonsignore, Bryan Marchment and Steve Kelly to Tampa Bay in exchange for Roman Hamrlik and the rights to Paul Comrie.
• July 15, 1999 - Toronto signs Bonsignore
• December 13, 2002 - Phoenix signs Bonsignore
• September 21, 2003 - Atlanta releases Bonsignore from NHL tryout during training camp

[edit] Career statistics

[edit] External links

• Jason Bonsignore's career stats at The Internet Hockey Database
• SM-liiga official website