Observations:

July 2016 – Raphael Bussieres suited up in just five games this past season for the Iowa Wild and as such saw the majority of his ice time playing for the Wild’s ECHL affiliate, the Quad City Mallards. For the Mallards, he put up a decent 24 points in 37 games but would’ve likely been in line for a more productive year had he been out of the penalty box more often. He can make for a high energy bottom-six forward but can use some discipline pulling in the reins with how aggressive he can be. Edric Joseph

December 2015- For the first time since turning professional, Raphael Bussieres has consistently shown that offensive spark that the Wild saw in him when he was playing for Baie Comeau of the QMJHL. While they'd rather see him making things happen for the Iowa Wild if not the Minnesota Wild, his 14 points through 17 games with the Quad City Mallards so far this season are not to be ignored. Whether or not this renewed confidence in Raphael Bussieres is here to stay remains to be seen. Edric Joseph

June 2015- Raphael Bussieres made for quite the force to be reckoned with finishing his ECHL stint with 16 points in 19 games. Not unlike his run with the Iowa Wild earlier this year he is showing a less trigger-happy side of himself, but it wasn’t in vein as it seemed to yield dvidends. This should make for a more competitive, confident Bussieres come training camp. He needs to show that he can be more tactically sound against stiffer competition. Edric Joseph

December 2014 – Start to the season has left something to be desired from Raphael Bussieres, so much so that it resulted in him making his ECHL debut for the Alaska Aces to allot him time to catch his stride with less spotlight and pressure thrust upon him. The reassignment made for a much needed revelation in Bussieres’ professional endeavours having strung together 10 points in only seven games for the Wild’s ECHL affiliate. Pleasing to see that the demotion has been taken in stride as a learning experience to get some offensive consistency. Solid hands and a terrific player on the boards, can make a truculent presence that keeps other teams in check as part of the Wild’s bottom six unit. Bussieres needs to get stronger to successfully take his game to the NHL when the opportunity presents itself. Edric Joseph

April 2014 – After a slow start to his AHL career, Bussieres has started to find his offensive touch racking up 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) in 42 games since December. Still, at just 20, he will need further development on the two-way aspects of his game with Iowa, but definitely reassuring to see his offensive numbers increasing. He has great skating ability and the potential to be an elusive scorer one day in the NHL, but he will need a very strong training camp this summer to even be considered for a roster spot in Minnesota for the 2014-15 season. Jamie Zadow

December 2013 – Bussieres has just three points (one goal, two assists) and is a minus-5 in 15 games with the Iowa Wild of the AHL this season. It's clear that the 20-year-old needs a lot of seasoning in just his first full season of professional hockey. He has the potential to be a scoring threat in the NHL, but he is still a long way off and needs to hone his overall game before he is ready for the big time. Jamie Zadow

May 2013 – The Wild signed Raphael Bussieres to a three year entry-level contract after posting 16 points in 18 games this postseason with Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL).His scoring elusiveness and improvement to his overall game has clearly caught the front-office's attention. After an early playoff exit this postseason, it appears very likely Bussieres has at least earned the opportunity to compete for a top-12 forward position for the Wild in 2014.. Clayton Bailey

February 2013 – Bussieres is a rough and tumble power forward who has shown great offensive instincts. In his fourth season in the QMJHL, Bussieres has learned to use his size  to create space for his teammates, play hard along the boards and isn`t afraid to go to the dirty areas of the ice.  He has good speed, nice hands and plays a smart, very effective north and south game. He is seen as player with raw talent which Minnesota will be well served to be patient with as he continues his development towards being an effective role player at the NHL level. Already this year, in only 48 games with Baie-Comeau he has set career highs in goals (24), assists (31) and points (55). As he enters his final months of Junior hockey, Raphael will need to continue his development in the AHL, under the watchful eyes of Minnesota Wild personell who try to develop him into an effective energy type player most likely as a third line winger who can contribute offensively, while stepping up to defend his teammates when the situation requires. (Comparable Chris Neil – Ottawa Senators) Alain Dube

Fantasy Outlook: C –

An agitator with shooting ability in the same mould of a Colby Armstrong,fantasy outlook is brighter than what it would be otherwise when peripheral stats such as hits, PIM are more seriously considered.

Footage:

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