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Ex-Vancouver Canuck Abruptly Announces Retirement to Make Stunning Return to NHL as Coach with Former Team
Photo credit: Los Angeles Times
Former Vancouver Canucks forward Nick Bonino is hanging up the skates and is returning to the NHL after landing a coaching job with one of his for the 2025-26 season.
After parts of 15 seasons in the National Hockey League, former Vancouver Canucks forward Nick Bonino decided to take his talents to Europe and signed a one-year contract with Slovenia club HK Olimpija Ljubljana, helping them win a championship earlier this spring.
Bonino then decided to extend his time in Slovenia and re-signed with the club for the 2025-26 season, but a little over a month later, the 37-year-old changed his mind and is now done with his playing career as a new opportunity was placed before him.
Former Vancouver Canuck Nick Bonino retires, lands NHL coaching job
In a video posted to HK Olimpija Ljubljana's Facebook page on Wednesday, Nick Bonino announced that he is retiring from hockey, 15 years after stepping onto the ice for his first professional game as a member of the Anaheim Ducks.
Bonino also revealed that he will be joining the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team he won a pair of Stanley Cups with, as an Assistant Coach starting this fall.
"Hey everyone, Nick Bonino here. I just wanted to officially announce that I will be retiring from professional hockey. I had a really unique opportunity come up to coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins, something we thought was the best move for our family at this time. A tough decision because we had an absolute blast in Ljubljana. Everyone was so welcoming to us, we can't thank the fans enough for all the support. I'm really happy I got to share that Slovenian championship with you all for my last game. I'll be a fan for life just like you guys. The club is in a great spot with a great future and I'm excited to watch. Thanks so much." Bonino said.
Bonino, 37, was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the sixth round in 2007 and before he could suit up with Northern California club, they traded him to the Anaheim Ducks.
The Hartford, Connecticut native then went on to play for the Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks and the New York Rangers.
In June 2014, Anaheim dealt Bonino to the Vancouver Canucks and in his one season with the team, before being traded to Pittsburgh, he put up 39 points (15 goals, 24 assists), along with two points in six Stanley Cup Playoff contests.
"Nick Bonino has announced his retirement from professional hockey after 15 @nhl seasons.
In conjunction with his retirement, Nick also announced he'll be joining the Pittsburgh Penguins coaching staff for the upcoming season.
Congratulations, Nick, on a great career, and welcome to the NHL Alumni Association!"
In conjunction with his retirement, Nick also announced he'll be joining the Pittsburgh Penguins coaching staff for the upcoming season.
Congratulations, Nick, on a great career, and welcome to the NHL Alumni Association!"
In 868 career games in the National Hockey League, Bonino registered 358 points (159 goals, 199 assists), 251 penalty minutes and was a plus-30.
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
| POLL | ||
JUIN 18 | 1437 ANSWERS Ex-Vancouver Canuck Abruptly Announces Retirement to Make Stunning Return to NHL as Coach with Former Team Do you think Nick Bonino will help the Pittsburgh Penguins reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs next season? | ||
| Yes | 204 | 14.2 % |
| No | 1233 | 85.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
