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Former Vancouver Canucks Forward Makes Big Decision on Where He'll Play Next Season
Photo credit: Los Angeles Times
A former Vancouver Canucks forward has made a big decision on where he will be spending the 2025-26 season after moving overseas last year.
After spending the entire summer of 2024 unsigned following the expiration of his NHL contract, former Vancouver Canucks forward Nick Bonino decided it was time to move on from North America.
In late November, Bonino agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Slovenian club HK Olimpija Ljubljana, who play in the ICE Hockey League and with the 37-year-old set to become a free agent this summer, he's decided he wants to stay in Europe.
Former Vancouver Canuck Nick Bonino signs new contract in Europe
Bonino had a pretty good season with HK Olimpija Ljubljana, putting up 17 points (six goals, 11 assists), ten penalty minutes and was a plus-two in 22 games, along with one assist in two games during the playoffs.
On Sunday, HK Olimpija Ljubljana announced that they've re-signed Nick Bonino to a one-year contract for the 2025-26 campaign.
"My family and I feel great in Ljubljana. The club has a clear vision and an ambitious plan that inspires me. I want to be part of this chapter and help the team both on and off the ice," Bonino said.
HK Olimpija Ljubljana CEO Anze Ulcar was thrilled that Nick Bonino decided to remain with his club next season and praised him for his attitude and professionalism that he's brought to the organization.
"Bones proved from the start, by deciding to join Olimpija, that he's someone who trusts his instincts. Those instincts turned out to be right, as he feels at home in Ljubljana and wants to continue building our story. He has proven to be a very reliable player who steps up in decisive moments and leads the team with his calmness. I was especially impressed with his attitude during the national championship finals, where he demonstrated complete professionalism and dedication, and was the best individual player on our team." Ulcar said.
Bonino, a native of Hartford, Connecticut, spent one season in the National Hockey League with the Vancouver Canucks after being acquired by them in June 2014 as part of the Ryan Kesler trade with the Anaheim Ducks.
In 75 games as a Vancouver Canuck, Bonino had 39 points (15 goals, 24 assists), 22 penalty minutes and was a plus-seven. He went on to add three points in six appearances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
With Nick Bonino turning 37 over the Easter weekend, it wouldn't be a surprise to anyone if the 2025-26 season would be the final one of his professional hockey career, although, some fans are still holding out hope that he'll return to North America in 2026.
Source: HK Olimpija Ljubljana
Nick Bonino Stays at Olimpija for the 2025/26 Season
Nick Bonino Stays at Olimpija for the 2025/26 Season
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 28 | 597 ANSWERS Former Vancouver Canucks Forward Makes Big Decision on Where He'll Play Next Season Do you think Nick Bonino will return to North America following the 2025-26 season? | ||
| Yes | 127 | 21.3 % |
| No | 470 | 78.7 % |
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