Report: 10 teams linked to clutch playoff performer

Centerman Nick Bonino has played a big role in the Pittsburgh Penguins back-to-back Stanley Cup championships the past two years. As the pivot man on the team’s famed “HBK Line” along with wingers Carl Hagelin and Phil Kessel, the 29 year-old has proven himself time and time again to be a true team player who manages to elevate his level of play when the stakes are highest. Maybe it seems odd then that the Penguins are considering letting him walk away from the organization via free agency, but evidently they are.

NHL insider Darren Dreger speculates that if Bonino were to hit the market, as many as 10 teams would be interested in acquiring his services and, in fact, that’s exactly how many teams have reached out to Bonino in advance of the opening of free-agency on July 1st.

We can really only speculate at this point, but who wouldn’t want to add a serviceable center on a reasonable contract this offseason? Bonino will likely be seeking a raise on the $1.9 million he’s earned annually over the past three seasons, but likely won’t command big time dollars or term. Might a team like the Blackhawks, Rangers, Bruins or Capitals be a good fit? Time will tell.