Connolly a smart sign for Leafs

2 year deal for battered vet shows faith in Colborne

Tim Connolly is a potential 65-75 point scorer as a first line centre, having exceeded 40 points each of the last 4 seasons playing lesser roles, including penalty killing. Paired with Kessel and possibly Lupul, Connolly will be given a chance to put some points on the board with Toronto.

The 2 year deal for a 30-year old with serious concussions in his past makes perfect sense. Longer term deals have to be reserved for players closer to the age of Schenn, Kessel, Reimer and Phaneuf. By acquiring him via free agency rather than trade, the health-related risks to the move are severely diminished. The move tells Joe Colborne to be ready, as TC hasn't played a full season in a while.

With Nonis landing Connolly, the icing on the cake for Leafs Nation would be Burkie and Schenn coming home from Afghanistan with terms agreed upon, allowing the Buds GM more time to focus on looking for another Top 6 winger.