“I would say Florida and Edmonton were the final two.”
Prince George’s own Brett Connolly explained his options when it came to free agency in an interview with MyPGNow.
Ultimately, he decided to sign a four-year contract with the Florida Panthers, which will see him pocket 14 million dollars during that time in the Sunshine State.
#FlaPanthers have agreed to terms with Forward Brett Connolly.
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— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) July 1, 2019
While he says the experience was exciting, he admitted he’s happy the NHL Free Agency process is finished for him.
“Florida was one of those teams where I was a good fit. You kind of just have to make a gut decision. I liked the way the organization was trending and they checked all of the boxes, so we’re excited,” Connolly said. “I guarantee my wife’s happy. That’s important. I played in Tampa so I kind of get the weather. In the winter, it’s probably the most perfect weather in North America. It’s pretty amazing.”
Connolly spent the last three seasons with Washington, helping the Capitals capture the 2017-18 Stanley Cup.
This past season was without a doubt the most successful season of his nine-year career. He had a career-best 22 goals and 46 points in 81 regular-season games. Overall, Connolly has scored 79 goals and 76 assists for 155 points in 427 career games with Washington, Boston, and Tampa Bay.
“The way people view me now after winning, and having three really good years in a row, it’s completely changed. I’m very happy with the way things have gone the last three years, but definitely feel like I’m coming into my prime and playing my best hockey.”
With the success on the ice that the former Prince George Cougar has experienced the past few years, it’s brought the right-winger security with his new four-year deal.
“Definitely makes it feel that much better when you sign a contract for $14 million. It’s a lot of hard work and a lot of people have helped me get to this position.”
Connolly was drafted sixth overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning back in 2010 after posting 162 points (86 goals and 66 assists) in four years spent with his hometown Cougars.