Who should be the Predators’ top target this offseason?

Option #2

A second, less fan favorite option, is Pittsburgh Penguins’ center Nick Bonino. The 29 year old was in Pittsburgh the last two seasons, where, as we all remember, he helped defeat the Predators in the Stanley Cup Finals. Since his first full season, four years ago, Bonino has accumulated 64 goals and 90 assists. While Bonino’s numbers are lower than Duchene’s, Bonino is more of a bruiser and defensive-minded player. If you remember, Bonino missed the final four games of the Stanley Cup Final this year, after blocking a shot on the penalty kill. Bonino is a solid team player who won’t wow fans with flashy plays, but certainly has the potential. At the end of the day, he is a solid second or third line center.

One of the most attractive facets to Bonino’s free agency is his price. Bonino is expected to cost the Predators a reasonable $1.5 million. For a reliable second or third line center, who can replace Mike Fisher’s 25-40 point presence, at half the cost, Bonino seems like a great option. Although fans might not welcome the Stanley Cup champion at first, Bonino should quickly be able to fit into Nashville’s system, while not breaking the bank.