The native of Joliat, Quebec first made a name for himself with the QPHL's Joliette Cyclones in 1949-50. He later played senior hockey in Quebec before joining the Detroit Red Wings in 1952-53. He played 37 games as a rookie on the powerful Wings then spent most of the next season in the minors. In 1954-55, Bonin scored 16 goals and played outstanding defense in the playoffs as Detroit won its fourth Stanley Cup in six seasons.

In June 1955, Bonin was sent to Boston in the deal that also involved Wings' legend Terry Sawchuk. The versatile forward played a year in Beantown then spent a season with the QHL's Quebec Aces. His fortunes took a complete turn for the better when he was picked up by the Stanley Cup champion Montreal Canadiens at the intra-league draft in June 1957.

Bonin was inserted on a line with Bernie Geoffrion and Jean Beliveau and scored 45 goals his first three years with the club. He also excelled in the playoffs especially in 1958-59 when he scored ten goals in eleven matches. Bonin was on hand the following year when the Habs closed out their NHL record five-year reign as Cup champions.

In 1960-61, he recorded a personal-high 51 points but the club's drive for a sixth straight championship ended in the semifinals. Bonin retired after suiting up for 33 games in 1961-62. His career was ended by a serious back injury caused by a collison with Pete Goegan.

Courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame