With Zach Parise and Corey Perry having signed respective deals with contending clubs, any team looking for veteran leadership and playoff experience can now turn to a newly available former Stanley Cup Champion, Nick Bonino.
The veteran forward was given the All-Star break to mull things over after he initially cleared waivers. Bonino told the Rangers he had no interest in reporting to the AHL and asked the club to terminate his contract instead. Out of respect for the player and his pedigree, the Rangers granted his request and placed him on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination.
The former 6th round pick from the 2007 NHL Entry Draft has enjoyed a 15-year career with 7 different clubs that has spanned through 868 games, 159 goals and 358 points, and most importantly 2 Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Bonino played an integral role in both Stanley Cup runs but none more than in 2016 when he chipped in with 14 assists and 18 points in 24 games, while averaging 17:12 TOI. The 14 assists paced the club and the 18 points had him tied for 3rd on the team with Evgeni Malkin and was just 1 behind eventual Conn Smythe winner, Sidney Crosby.
He might not light up the box score, but Bonino will still give you a solid 12 minutes a night, over 50% face-off efficiency, blocked shots, and solid penalty killing. He would be a great addition to any contending team's depth chart heading into the trade deadline and subsequent playoff push. Especially since he'll likely only command the league's minimum salary.
