Florida Panthers Make Surprising Roster Move

The Florida Panthers have been trying to trade forward Brett Connolly for weeks and have not been able to construct a deal. The team has now decided to waive the 28-year-old who has two more seasons left on his contract, paying him $3.5 million. The Panthers signed Connolly to a four-year contract back in July of 2019.

Brett Connolly, placed on waivers by FLA, isn't a good playdriver but he's been one of the league's most efficient goal scorers for years. #FlaPanthers pic.twitter.com/fbHDfTVc7k
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) February 28, 2021

The 28-year-old Connolly has suited up in 15 games this season and has only recorded one goal and two assists. In five of those 15 games, Connolly saw under 10 minutes of ice-time from head coach Joel Quenneville.

It's going to take some salary retention from the Panthers for any other team to commit to a player with Connolly's type of salary remaining on his deal. The versatile winger scored 19 goals in 69 games last season.

We first shared the trade rumors surrounding Connolly back on February 3rd.

Reminder.
Peter Chiarelli gave up two second round picks for Brett Connolly. https://t.co/iGb9tQjJeu
— Mike From Woburn (@MikeFromWoburn) February 28, 2021