Well, you can’t lose them all, I suppose.
The Capitals announced on Saturday that they had signed the 25 year-old forward to a two-year, $3 million contract that will keep him in Washington until 2019-2020.
The deal constitutes a significant raise for Connolly, who came to Washington on a one-year, $850,000 contract in 2016-2017. Connolly, the sixth overall draft pick in 2010, had been labeled as a bit of a bust, and signed with Washington for cheap on a “prove it” redemption contract. Connolly scored 15 goals for Washington last season, and certainly proved his worth as a productive bottom-six winger.
Connolly was Washington’s Mastertron Trophy nominee last year as the player who has shown the most perseverance and dedication to the game of hockey. At just 25 years-old, this could end up sneakily being the best signing Washington makes this offseason.
Congratulations, Brett, and welcome back to Washington!