Brett Connolly is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who has had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on May 2, 1992, in Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada. Connolly began his hockey career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Prince George Cougars in 2007. He played for the Cougars for four seasons, during which he scored 98 goals and 152 assists in 232 games.
In 2010, Connolly was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round, sixth overall, of the NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Lightning in 2011, playing in 68 games and scoring 15 points. Connolly played for the Lightning for three seasons, during which he scored 40 points in 134 games.
In 2015, Connolly was traded to the Boston Bruins, where he played for one season. He scored nine goals and 16 points in 50 games for the Bruins. In 2016, Connolly signed with the Washington Capitals as a free agent. He played for the Capitals for three seasons, during which he scored 46 goals and 79 points in 191 games.
Connolly had a breakout season in 2018-19, scoring a career-high 22 goals and 46 points in 81 games for the Capitals. He helped the team win the Stanley Cup that season, scoring six goals and 11 points in 24 playoff games. Connolly became a free agent after the 2018-19 season and signed a four-year contract with the Florida Panthers.
Connolly played for the Panthers for two seasons, during which he scored 20 goals and 41 points in 79 games. He was limited by injuries during the 2020-21 season, playing in only two games. In 2021, Connolly was placed on waivers by the Panthers and was claimed by the Seattle Kraken in the NHL Expansion Draft.
Connolly has represented Canada in international competition, winning a gold medal at the 2009 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and a silver medal at the 2011 World Junior Championships. He has also played for Canada at the IIHF World Championships.
Overall, Connolly has had a successful career in the NHL, scoring 137 goals and 253 points in 548 games. He has been a reliable scorer and a valuable contributor to his teams, helping the Capitals win the Stanley Cup in 2019. Connolly will continue his career with the Kraken in the 2021-22 season.
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