The struggling Rangers took steps Thursday to reorganize their veteran forward corps, placing fourth-line center Nick Bonino on waivers.
The 35-year-old Bonino, who has played in 868 NHL games, including three years with the Predators under current Rangers coach Peter Laviolette, signed a one-year deal worth $800,000 as a free agent in July. is.
However, he has only scored one goal and five points in 45 games this season.
Laviolette said Bonino met with Rangers president Chris Drury on Thursday morning and was removed from practice ahead of Friday's home game against the Golden Knights.
“That was the decision that was made,” Laviolette said. “Nick is a great person and a great teammate. Again, just an organizational decision.”
Bonino hasn't played in the minor leagues since 2011-2012, but could be sent off waivers to AHL Hartford if no taker is found.
“I don't know what Nick's intentions were. So it would be wrong for me to comment on that,” Laviolette said.
“But like I said, I've worked with Nick for years since I moved back to Nashville, and I can't say enough about him as a person. He's just a good guy. , a good teammate.”
