Pittsburgh Penguins Report: Nick Bonino May Be Out
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Nick Bonino becomes an unrestricted free agent come July 1, and it is looking like he may be on his way out.
According to TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger, multiple teams are looking to sign Nick Bonino. Dreger says that as many as 10 teams are interested in Bonino. The Pittsburgh Penguins are obviously in the hunt to resign him, however after coming off another Stanley Cup winning season the cap is a bit too tight right now.
Many teams in the market for a center have connected with Nick Bonino. At least 10 teams are said to have serious interest at this stage.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 29, 2017
Bonino is 29 years of age and is looking for his big payday. After putting up 18 goals and 19 assists in 80 games this season, Bonino has solidified himself as a top nine capable forward. The question is whether or not Pittsburgh can afford to pay him this money.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Mark Madden of Pittsburgh’s 105.9 the X has reported that the Penguins will not be looking to resign Bonino, who may be asking for too much. If this is the case, the Penguins will need to explore other options.
I'm told Pens have given up on retaining either Bonino or Daley. Will pursue other options. Bonino wants $16m/4 yrs. More at 3pm. @1059thex
— Mark Madden (@MarkMaddenX) June 29, 2017
Replacing Bonino
If Bonino does decide to leave the Penguins, we will have a major hole to fill in his place. That third line centre position is essential to a team’s success, and we will have to search for a replacement.
Earlier this week I wrote about a few free agent options for the third line centre position that we can look at if Bonino walks. Honestly though, it doesn’t look like any of these are really that good. We may have to look at a trade here. Especially if we want to upgrade or even stay consistent in that position.
However we do it, replacing Bonino is going to become a top priority. Let’s hope for the best Pens fans.