Florida Panthers: Brett Connolly Improves the Third Line

General Manager Dale Tallon made a flurry of free agency moves, mainly headlined by the signings of top-four D Anton Stralman and 2x Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky. One move which flew under the radar was the signing of former Washington Capitals winger Brett Connolly.

On July 1st, the Florida Panthers and forward Brett Connolly officially agreed to a four-year contract worth $3.25M annually. Essentially, Connolly is an ideal third-line winger who can provide immediate offense and 5v5 production.

The recently turned 27-year-old native of British Columbia experienced a career year in 2018 for the Washington Capitals. One year after winning the Stanley Cup, Brett Connolly seemingly developed into a potent top-nine forward on WSH.

While participating in 81 regular season contests for the Capitals, Connolly produced a solid statistical slash line of 22G, 24A, for 46 points, with 21 goals coming at even strength. Moreover, Connolly notably recorded an impressive +13 rating and only turned over the puck 25 times.

In essence, Connolly is an ideal third-line winger who plays exceptionally well on both sides of the rink. Brett Connolly will instantly provide playoff experience, Stanley Cup winning pedigree, 5v5 scoring, and will undoubtedly improve Florida’s overall scoring output.

The Connolly contract was not even considered an overpayment, but rather a fair deal for a rising player coming off of a career year. Connolly will likely be paired alongside talented Finnish-born Centerman Henrik Borgstrom and either one of Owen Tippett or Frank Vatrano.

The Florida Panthers struggled mightily in terms of receiving point production from their bottom-six forwards last season. However, with the addition of even strength specialist Brett Connolly, the Cats shouldn’t experience the same issues entering the 2020 NHL campaign.

The former Stanley Cup Champion possesses an absolutely lethal wrist shot and can create scoring chances for himself and his fellow linemates. Players such as Borgstrom, Tippett, and Vatrano will certainly benefit tremendously by playing alongside the much improved Brett Connolly.

Connolly has already validated himself as a scorer, producing 15 goals in 2017 and 2018 before registering 22 goals in 2019. In terms of scoring expectations from Brett Connolly, Florida Panthers fans should anticipate at least 20+ goals and 40+ points.

By playing alongside better quality linemates in Florida (was paired with Lars Eller and Andre Burakovsky in WSH), Connolly will likely elevate his on-ice performance or at least replicate his 2019 season in Florida.

The Cats locked up a young player entering the prime of his career for only $3.25 million per year for the next four seasons. Despite missing out on highly coveted free agent Artemi Panarin, Dale Tallon certainly compensated brilliantly with the signing of Brett Connolly.

Also, Connolly can slot onto the 2nd PP unit for Florida and potentially kill some penalties, as well. Ultimately, Connolly is a highly versatile winger who brings tons of tools to the table for Florida.

In essence, Dale Tallon evidently addressed a glaring need on the team, which was a consistent third-line winger who can score often via 5v5.

The Connolly signing was simply a match made in heaven, and he will undoubtedly bolster the third line of the Florida Panthers for next season and beyond.

All in all, Florida Panthers fans should be absolutely ecstatic regarding the Brett Connolly addition. Brett is a complete player for a third-line winger, thus making him a perfect fit for Florida’s inconsistent third line.

On behalf of The Rat Trick and the Florida Panthers organization, welcome to the Florida Panthers, Brett Connolly!