Brett Connolly will remain in a black and gold uniform next season and will suit up for the Boston Bruins.
Connolly, a former captain of the Prince George Cougars, signed a one-year contract worth $1,025,000 with the Bruins on Monday.
"They believe in me and what I can do, and it's just exciting to get reassurance and sign the deal and hopefully have a good start to the season and get back in the playoffs," Connolly told BostonBruins.com. "It's exciting for everybody."
Connolly, a six-foot-two 181-pound right-winger, was acquired by the Bruins at the NHL trade deadline in March from the Tampa Bay Lightning, who selected him as the sixth overall pick in the 2010 NHL draft.
Upon Connolly's arrival in Boston, a puck broke his right index finger during his second practice and he missed a month of playing time to recuperate.
The restricted free agent appeared in the final five games of the season for the Bruins and collected a pair of assists alternating between the third and fourth lines.
"It's exciting. It's good to get it out of the way," said Connolly, who trains in Toronto during the off-season. "I'm very, very excited for this season. Obviously, kind of a fresh start for the organization, moving a few guys, so it's a good opportunity for me and I'm very excited to be a part of the Bruins - such a historic franchise - and it will be a good, fresh start for me.
"Obviously last year was a little weird (with the injury), but it will be good to get there and get going."
