Brett Connolly's journey in professional hockey began when he was drafted sixth overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. His entry into the NHL was marked by high expectations, given his impressive performance in junior hockey with the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Connolly's early career was characterized by his potential as a strong offensive player, with a knack for scoring goals.
Connolly made his NHL debut with the Lightning in the 2011-2012 season. During his time with Tampa Bay, he showed flashes of his scoring ability but struggled to find consistency in his game. Over the course of three seasons with the Lightning, Connolly played in 134 games, tallying 18 goals and 14 assists. Despite his efforts, he was often shuffled between the NHL and the American Hockey League (AHL), where he played for the Syracuse Crunch.
In March 2015, Connolly's career took a new direction when he was traded to the Boston Bruins. His tenure with the Bruins provided him with an opportunity to further develop his skills and gain more experience in the NHL. Connolly played parts of two seasons with Boston, contributing 9 goals and 16 assists in 76 games. However, he still faced challenges in securing a permanent spot in the lineup.
The next chapter of Connolly's career began in July 2016 when he signed with the Washington Capitals as a free agent. This move proved to be a turning point for him. During his time with the Capitals, Connolly found a more consistent role and became an important part of the team's depth. In the 2017-2018 season, he played a crucial role in helping the Capitals secure their first-ever Stanley Cup championship. Connolly's performance in the playoffs, where he scored six goals and added three assists, was instrumental in the team's success.
Connolly's stint with the Capitals lasted three seasons, during which he played 217 games and recorded 52 goals and 44 assists. His ability to contribute offensively and his improved defensive play made him a valuable asset to the team. Following his successful run with Washington, Connolly signed a four-year contract with the Florida Panthers in July 2019.
In Florida, Connolly continued to be a reliable forward, providing depth scoring and veteran leadership. During his time with the Panthers, he played 86 games, scoring 19 goals and 16 assists. However, in April 2021, Connolly was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks as part of a multi-player deal. His time with the Blackhawks was marked by limited opportunities, and he spent a significant portion of his tenure with the team's AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.
Connolly's professional hockey career reflects the journey of a player who navigated the challenges of the NHL, adapting to different roles and teams.
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