PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially announced the return of a Stanley Cup champion to the team’s coaching staff, as well as others.
LISTEN: Tyler Kennedy on Nick Bonino hired as Pens assistant coach
Joining Todd Nelson and Rich Clune as is assistant coaches is former player Nick Bonino.
Bonino was a two-time Cup champion in the back-to-back years in 2016 and 2017 and officially announced his retirement from playing earlier this week, having last played in the NHL with the Rangers in 2024.
“Nick's understanding of what it takes to win at the NHL level is unmatched, and his unique experience as a player who filled many different roles over the course of his career will only help him as an assistant coach,” said new Penguins’ head coach Dan Muse. “His familiarity with the Penguins organization, as well as my familiarity with him as a player, and person, made him a great fit for this role, and we’re excited to welcome him to our coaching staff as he enters the next phase of his career.”
Bonino played a total of 146 games over three seasons (he returned for three games in 2022-23) with 66 points, 27 goals and 39 assists.
The Penguins also hired Troy Paquette as the team’s assistant video coach and retained Andy Chiodo as goaltending coach.
Talking about the move with Pomp & Joe, former Penguins player Tyler Kennedy was a bit surprised by the hire.
“What a leap of faith for Kyle Dubas to hire Nick Bonino. I thought they would have to hire someone with a lot of experience because they have a rookie head coach. They hire an assistant coach who has never really coached which is unbelievable to me. It’s pretty crazy. I don’t know if it’s the right move. I really don’t.”
Kennedy adds that Bonino’s strength can be relating to young players.
“He can relate to the younger players so well. When you look at the NHL now behind the bench, there are like five coaches. The head coach, the assistant, the assistant of the assistant, the defensive guy. It’s crazy to see how many are back there. If he’s one of the guys that just grabs guys and he’s the assistant of the assistant, I think that’s a good place for him.”
But, jumping onto a new staff with a team that hasn’t been to the playoffs in three years isn’t going to be easy.
“It’s going to be tough. This year is a big year. There are going to a lot of eyes on the Pittsburgh Penguins with what they are doing. They have to make the right moves. There is a lot of pressure on him going as a first-year head coach with a team that hasn’t won in the playoffs in the last few years.”
Read more about the new hires here.