Tim Connolly is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on May 7, 1981, in Syracuse, New York, and began his hockey career playing for the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in 1997.
Connolly was known for his exceptional playmaking abilities and was drafted fifth overall by the New York Islanders in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Islanders in the 1999-2000 season and played with the team for four seasons before being traded to the Buffalo Sabres in 2003.
During his time with the Sabres, Connolly established himself as a top center in the league and was a key player in the team's success. He played with the Sabres for eight seasons, from 2003 to 2011, and was a consistent point producer, often leading the team in assists.
Injuries were a constant issue for Connolly throughout his career, and he missed significant time due to various ailments, including concussions. Despite this, he was able to put up impressive numbers and was a valuable asset to any team he played for.
After leaving the Sabres, Connolly played one season with the Toronto Maple Leafs before retiring from professional hockey in 2013. He finished his NHL career with 131 goals and 300 assists for a total of 431 points in 697 games played.
Connolly also represented the United States in international play, winning a silver medal at the 2002 World Junior Championships and playing in the 2006 Winter Olympics.
Overall, Tim Connolly had a successful career in the NHL, known for his playmaking abilities and consistent point production. Despite his injury history, he was able to play at a high level for over a decade and was a valuable asset to any team he played for.
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