WATCH: Nick Bonino warms up to his new teammates at Pittsburgh Penguins practice

Nick Bonino, the veteran center, has returned to familiar surroundings after rejoining the Pittsburgh Penguins practice session, and he's already fitting in well with his old teammates.

Bonino, who was traded away from the Predators in 2020 after two seasons with the team, was acquired again by the team in a trade with the Minnesota Wild in January. Since then, he's been working hard to get back into the swing of things with his old team.

He's doing it with the same positive attitude and humor that made him a fan favorite during his first stint in Pittsburgh.

At a recent practice session, Nick Bonino was seen joking around with his new (old) teammates and engaging in friendly banter. Despite having been away for some time, he seems to have picked up right where he left off with the team.

In an interview after practice, Bonino spoke about his transition back to the Penguins and how he's working to keep his game at a high level. He emphasized the importance of sticking to the same routines and habits that have served him well in the past.

"I'm just trying to keep things as normal as possible," he said. "I know the guys here, I know the system, and I know what's expected of me. I'm just trying to stay focused and keep my game at the level it needs to be."

Nick Bonino's return to Pittsburgh was a welcome one for Penguins fans, who remembered him as a key contributor to the team's success during his first stint.

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Penguins acquire center Nick Bonino in trade with Sharks and Canadiens

The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired center Nick Bonino from the San Jose Sharks in a trade that also involved the Montreal Canadiens. The Sharks received defenseman Arvid Henriksson, Pittsburgh's conditional 2024 fifth-round pick, and a 2023 seventh-round pick. Meanwhile, the Canadiens received defenseman Tony Sund and San Jose's 2024 fifth-round draft pick.

Bonino, who returns to Pittsburgh where he was part of two Stanley Cup championship teams from 2015 to 2017, has recorded 19 points (10 goals and nine assists) for San Jose this season. The 34-year-old was originally drafted by the Sharks in 2007 and re-joined the team in 2021 after a season with the Minnesota Wild.

Although Nick Bonino had a slow start production-wise for the second consecutive season, with no goals and one point in his first 20 games, he has collected 10 goals and 18 points in the past 39 contests. The Penguins will likely hope that Bonino's recent form will continue as they make a push for the playoffs.

The trade comes as the Penguins have been dealing with injuries to key players, including centers Evgeni Malkin and Teddy Blueger. Bonino's addition to the team will provide much-needed depth at the center position and could help the Penguins stay competitive in the tough East Division.