The Maple Leafs have been in the market for a playmaking center who can play alongside Phil Kessel. They got one on Saturday, inking Tim Connolly to a two-year deal worth $9.5 million, according to TSN.ca.
The 30-year-old spent the last eight seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, compiling a career-high 65 points in 2009-10. Last season, he had 13 goals and 29 assists in 68 games.
The Sabres elected not to offer Connolly a contract, though. Instead, they signed Ville Leino to a six-year deal.
The Leafs were among the teams pursuing Brad Richards, but he ultimately decided to sign with the New York Rangers.
Connolly, a first-round draft pick in 1999, said that this is the most excited he's been for a season in a long time.
