Free agent forward Nick Bonino will sign a four-year contract with the Nashville Predators, reports TSN’s Darren Dreger. The deal is worth $4.1 million annually, a high price for the veteran center.
Bonino, 29, played the past two seasons for the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning a couple of Stanley Cups in the process. He’s a strong two-way forward who recorded 18 goals and 19 assists in 80 regular season games last season.
The performance even garnered some Selke Trophy votes, as he finished 26th in the tallying. During the past two postseasons, he totaled eight goals and 17 assists over 45 games.
For the Predators, Bonino helps solidify the team up the middle with the possible departures of Mike Fisher and Vernon Fiddler. Bonino is also a strong penalty killer who can immediately step into that role with Nashville after doing it for the past four seasons.
Since being a sixth-round pick by the Sharks in 2007, Bonino has played for the Ducks, Canucks, and Penguins. He’s recorded 75 goals and 112 assists in 407 regular season NHL games.