Former Penguins Forward Nick Bonino Retires Joins Coaching Staff

Nick Bonino, a former NHL center and two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017, has retired from professional hockey after a 15-season career. Following his retirement, Bonino will join the Penguins' coaching staff as an assistant under new head coach Dan Muse. Bonino was a key player during the Penguins' championship runs, notably centering the highly effective 'HBK' line with Carl Hagelin and Phil Kessel. His role on the coaching staff has not been specifically detailed, but he is expected to be part of the Penguins' new coaching regime following a major staff overhaul. Bonino last played in the 2024-25 season for Slovenian club HK Olimpija Ljubljana after finishing his NHL playing career with the New York Rangers in 2023-24. His return to Pittsburgh reunites him with former teammates Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, now in a coaching capacity.