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.

Message to Leafs' Burke: Richards, Upshall, Ward

I have a feeling Brad Richards is going to head back to Tampa to try for an encore Cup, which means Scottie Upshall and Joel Ward may be Brian Burke's free agent signings for the Maple Leafs. Look for Burkie to also swing a trade for one more forward, possibly someone overpaid with a year or two to go on their contract.

Komisarek and Gustavvsson for Semin, anyone?