Brett Connolly Returns To Blackhawks Lineup Thursday Night
Chicago Blackhawks winger Brett Connolly will be back on the ice on Thursday against Carolina after sitting out one night as a healthy scratch. Dylan Strome will make way. In defense, Alec Regula takes over from Ian Mitchell to make his NHL debut. Connolly posted an assist in his last appearance, but he hasn't done a lot since coming over from Florida, grabbing only two points in nine outings. The former first-round pick has three goals and six points in 30 games for the whole campaign.
Florida Panthers winger Brett Connolly was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday, along with Riley Stillman, the restricted free agent rights to Henrik Borgstrom, and a 2021 seventh-round pick. Forward Lucas Wallmark and defenseman Lucas Carlsson headed in the opposite direction. Connolly has sat as a healthy scratch for large parts of the season, picking up only four points in 21 games. However, he has demonstrated a good nose for goals by scoring 100 times in his career, and a change of scenery might provide a spark to his career. Wallmark and Carlsson skated in just 28 games combined for Chicago this season and they will welcome the trade as well, although the duo isn't expected to play a big part in things in Florida.