Name: Tim Connolly
Position: Center
Shoots: Right
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 190 lbs.
Birth date: 5/7/1981
Age: 26
Hometown: Baldwinsville, New York (outside of Syracuse)
Acquired: In a trade with the New York Islanders. Connolly and Taylor Pyatt were acquired for Michael Peca.
Background
Tim Connolly was one of only a few players who have made the jump to the NHL at the age of 18. Connolly played two seasons with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League before being drafted #5 overall by the New York Islanders. He scored over 30 goals and had over 60 points in each of his two seasons with the Otters. Connolly remained extremely healthy in his career until suffering a concussion in a pre-season game against Chicago in 2003. He eventually missed the entire 2003-2004 season with post concussion syndrome. Connolly had his best professional season in 2005-2006 when he had 16 goals and 55 points in 63 games before suffering another concussion in the playoffs.
Scouting Report
Connolly is one of the most creative players in the league. He is fast and has great vision on the ice. The problem with Connolly is his lack of durability. He has missed extensive time on two different occasions with post concussion syndrome.
Performance
06-07 Regular Season: 2GP-1G-0A-1P
06-07 Playoffs: 16GP-0G-9A-9P
Future
It is impossible to predict the future of Tim Connolly. If he can avoid another concussion he could be one of the all time greats for the Sabres but he is one hit away from a potential career ending injury. The immediate future has Tim Connolly starting the season as a key member of the Buffalo Sabres. Connolly is expected to take on some of the burden from the departure of Chris Drury and Daniel Briere. Only time will tell how Connolly is remembered as Sabres fans and good caring people we can only hope for the best.
Note: As mentioned we will have profiles of every player on the Sabres as well as many of the prospects. You can expect to see close to one a day from now until the beginning of training camp.