When the New York Rangers agreed to terms with Nick Bonino in the summer over a move to the Big Apple, the veteran was not what the Rangers expected him to be. He struggled to find his footing in the iconic Blueshirt of the New York Rangers, and today, he was placed on waivers for the purpose of contract termination. Knowing that he will have to find another home before March 8th if he wants to play in the postseason, it will be a difficult time for him to find work.
Bonino had been sent down to the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack before the all-star break, but the team decided they wanted to offer the player a chance to try and find a new role out there if he would like to terminate his deal and search for roles elsewhere. Bonino opted to take the bet on himself and see what is out there for a player with his past and experience. It's refreshing to see him bet on himself, and I wish him nothing but the best.
During his 45 games with the Rangers, Bonino recorded just a single goal and four assists for five points. He was a -12, and it showed he was really struggling. At 35 years old, the Hartford, Connecticut native is likely getting to the end of his career, and wants another shot at the Stanley Cup after winning it twice as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the mid 2010's.
In 868 career games, Bonino has 159 goals and 199 assists for 358 points, and is a career +30, suggesting that this was just a bad fit for the player. Whether it's partly aided by father time eating at his abilities or just the struggles of the journeyman center, only time will tell. Bonino's deal will be terminated at 2 p.m Eastern tomorrow assuming he clears waivers, and he will be free to look for greener pastures.