Bonino was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the sixth round, 173rd overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. His rights were later traded to the Anaheim Ducks with goaltender Timo Pielmeier in exchange for Travis Moen and Kent Huskins on March 4, 2009. On March 21, 2010, Bonino signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Ducks. After signing with Anaheim, he immediately joined the team, making his NHL debut on March 26, 2010, in a game against the Edmonton Oilers. He scored his first NHL goal in Anaheim's next game, three nights later, against the Dallas Stars; the goal was assisted by Teemu Selänne. He finished the year playing in nine games and registering one goal and one assist with six penalties in minutes.