The Boston Bruins announced three signings Monday afternoon.
Right winger Jimmy Hayes has signed a three-year contract worth $6.9 million with a $2.3 million salary cap hit, right winger Brett Connolly signed a one-year deal worth $1.025 million and forward Brandon DeFazio signed a one-year, two-way contract worth $575,000 at the NHL level.
Hayes was acquired by the Bruins from the Panthers last week in a trade that sent forwards Reilly Smith and Marc Savard to Florida. He’s a Dorchester, Mass., native who scored a career-high 19 goals last season. Hayes was expected to earn at least $3 million annually in his next contract, but the B’s were able to sign him to a very team-friendly cap hit.
Connolly was acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning at last season’s trade deadline in exchange for two second-round draft picks. He suffered an injury in his first practice with the team and was limited to the final five games of the regular season. His new one-year deal will act as a prove-it-to-me contract as he attempts to become a fixture of Boston’s top-nine forward group next season.
DeFazio is a 21-year-old right winger who led the AHL’s Utica Comets with 21 goals last season. He also played two games for the Vancouver Canucks and made his NHL debut Nov. 9.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
