New York Rangers: Analyzing the center pool in free agency

3 of 5

Jun 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Nick Bonino (13) skates with the Stanley Cup after defeating the Nashville Predators in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Nick Bonino-

Now a two-time Stanley Cup champion, Bonino hits the free agent market as a role player with invaluable experience.

Pros: As I just mentioned, the experience factor is huge with Bonino. He has six game-winning goals in six trips to the playoffs. He was a large factor in both runs by the Pittsburgh Penguins. What Bonino brings is depth and skill in the bottom six.

The Rangers have had more of this than just about anyone else in the NHL over the past three seasons, so again Bonino would fit right in. He has become a solid face-off man and also blocks shots well. In terms of a role player, Bonino would improve just about any team he became a part of.

Cons: If New York is concerned with making up for the offensive production lost in the absence of Derek Stepan, Bonino isn’t your guy. His offensive numbers won’t jump off the page and he likely won’t be a part of the power play.

Bonino isn’t old, but at 30 he is nearing that point. Currently, his best season was back in 2013-2014 when he registered 22 goals and 49 points. On the Penguins he played with Phil Kessel and Carl Hagelin and still didn’t register those numbers. Assuming that Bonino is looking for a raise- his cap hit was just under $2 million last year- the Rangers should stay away because his production hasn’t added up to a more lucrative contract.

Home/Editorials