IN any sport, contract negotiations can sometimes be long, drawn out affairs - one or both sides digging their heels in trying to get what they believe to be the best deal for themselves.

Others, by contrast, are relatively simple. Both club and player are on the ‘same page’ and can conclude their business very quickly.

Today, you can throw Matt Bissonnette re-signing for Leeds Knights into the latter category - the veteran forward having no hesitation in agreeing to a third year at Elland Road Ice Arena.

When there was a mass exodus, at least compared to previous summers, of NIHL National experience from Leeds at the end of the 2024-25 league and Cup double-winning season - the likes of Matt Barron, Noah McMullin, Matty Haywood, Ethan Hehir, Dylan Hehir and Jordan Buesa all moving on - head coach Ryan Aldridge knew he had to keep hold of other, key pieces.

BACK FOR MORE: Matt Bissonnette has agreed terms on a third season with Leeds Knights - having helped them win three trophies in the past two seasons. Picture: Knights Media.

placeholder image — BACK FOR MORE: Matt Bissonnette has agreed terms on a third season with Leeds Knights - having helped them win three trophies in the past two seasons. Picture: Knights Media.

Given the decision to rebuild - largely with young up-and-coming homegrown talent alongside new, untried imports - Aldridge freely admitted he needed 34-year-old Bissonnette to stick around.

After some deliberation, the former Sheffield Steeldogs and Manchester Storm forward signed on the dotted line, something he was more than happy to do so again 12 months on.

“After two incredible seasons, when Ryan asked if I’d come back for a third, there was never any hesitation,” said Bissonnette.

“My team-mates, the organization, and most of all the fans make Leeds the best place to play.”

LEADING MAN: Matt Bissonnette's experiencce has proved invaluable during his time at Leeds Knights. Picture: Kev Bland/Knights Media.

For Aldridge, he is simply delighted to keep the popular Montreal-born winger around, both for what he produces on the ice, but also the example he sets to the younger members of the team and the valuable experience he can pass on.

“Bizz is our mature head, a leader in the room and on the ice,” said Aldridge of a player who posted 24 goals and 47 assists in 62 league, Cup and play-off games last season.

“His vision is second to none and he can score when needed. He scored some big goals for us last year, can play in all situations and is one of those guys that you can’t imagine not being around the club.

“That’s why it was so important to have him back. It was a quick conversation - Bizz wants to be here and we didn’t want him to leave.”