The Washington Capitals re-signed forward Brett Connolly to a two-year deal worth $1.5MM a year, reports TSN’s Bob McKenzie. The 25-year old was a pending unrestricted free agent this summer after the Capitals did not appear to submit a qualifying offer.
Connolly had 15G and 8A in 68 games for the Capitals this season, but went pointless in seven playoff games. The new contract is a significant raise from the $850K he was making this year on a one-year deal. Connolly struggled to stay in the lineup during the playoffs, however, and was scratched for six games.
Connolly is your prototypical depth signing, but if Connolly matches is production next season, many teams would be very happy with a $1.5MM 15-goal scorer. Connolly showed promise in the AHL, scoring 63 points and 57 points in 2012-13 and 2013-14, respectively. The Capitals hope that he can find a way to translate that production to the NHL.
What was the point in not qualifying him then?
They likely didn’t think they could afford a possible arbitration settlement.
Oh