Two Time Stanley Cup Champion Officially Leaves the NHL and Signs in Europe
Nick Bonino has had an incredible career at the NHL level for a long time, but now the 36-year old is officially heading overseas after struggling to find interest in the NHL as a free agent this past off-season.
With more and more young talent coming through the NHL system every single season, we've seen plenty of veterans take their careers overseas in the last 18 months.
Now, another has joined the ranks, as 36-year old Nick Bonino is officially signing in the Slovenian Hockey League with HK Olimpija Ljubljana, officially ending his tenure in the NHL for now.
The former sixth-round draft pick made his debut with the Anaheim Ducks back in 2009, playing in an impressive 868 games over that time with the Ducks, Canucks, Penguins, Predators, Wild, Sharks and Penguins.
The best seasons of his career came in 2015/16 and 16/17, where he was a key part of the Pittsburgh Penguins back-to-back Stanley Cup successes, which would represent the two times he hoisted the Cup in his career.
After playing in 45 games for the Rangers a season ago, tallying just 1 goal and 5 points in that time, Bonino simply couldn't find interest as a free agent this summer, so he will now head to Slovenia for the rest of this season.
During his career, Bonino has tallied 159 goals and 358 points, so while he was never a big star, to get that type of production as a sixth rounder speaks volumes to his talent.
It's unclear if he believes a return to the NHL or North America is likely next season, but for now he's taking his talents overseas, and if he can spark something we may see a return one day or the option to find a role in a higher league in Europe.
