Connolly, 22, skated in 11 games with the Lightning last season, posting a goal and four penalty minutes. His lone goal during the 2013-14 season came on November 2 against the St. Louis Blues. Connolly also skated in 66 games with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League, recording 21 goals and 57 points to go along with 50 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-2, 193-pound forward ranked first on the Crunch for both points and assists (36).

The Campbell River, B.C. native has skated in 84 career NHL games, all with the Lightning over three seasons, notching six goals and 17 points go along with 34 penalty minutes. Three of his six career goals have been game-winners. Connolly has also skated in 137 career AHL games, collecting 52 goals and 120 points.

Connolly was originally drafted by the Lightning in the first round, sixth overall, at the 2010 NHL Draft.