Brett Connolly was disappointed that he was assigned to the minors on Sunday. "It's tough," he said. "For me, I've never been cut like that before, where you think you're going to make it and it kind of comes out of leftfield. It stings a little more that way, but there's nothing I can do but keep moving forward. I have no doubt in my mind I'll be back, and sooner rather than later." Connolly tied for the team lead with four preseason goals and had a strong training camp, but it wasn't enough to land him a roster spot.

Brett Connolly is a late addition to Tampa Bay's lineup for Friday's preseason match. Connolly is filling in for Teddy Purcell (upper body) and will play on a line with Valtteri Filppula and wing Alex Killorn. This is a great opportunity for Connolly to build off of his strong two-goal performance on Thursday.

Brett Connolly scored two goals as the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Nashville Predators 5-1 in a Thursday preseason game. It remains to be seen if Connolly can make an impact on the big club in 2013-14, but it's likely that he'll get a legitimate shot to do so. He only played five games in 2013 after soaking in 68 in 2011-12, so we'll see how management handles one of the league's more unusual development situations.

Brett Connolly feels he has something to prove at training camp and he intends to start the year with the Tampa Bay Lightning. "I have a lot to prove," he said. "I know that I am a better player and I'm not the same player I was when I was 19. I just need to show that. I'm looking to build on everything that I did last year and bring that here (to training camp) and prove to the organization that I want to be here long term. I want to be a part of this; they have a good thing going here." He made the team as a 19-year-old in 2011-12 season and he recorded 15 points in 68 games that year. Connolly rediscovered his scoring touch in the minors last campaign, with 31 goals and 63 points in 71 games for AHL Syracuse. He also learned how to play better defensively. Connolly is hoping that confidence will help him this season as he attempts to earn a roster spot with Tampa Bay.

Brett Connolly was re-assigned to Syracuse of the AHL Friday. The 20-year-old has made great strides in the AHL this season with 57 points in 67 games leading to an appointment on the second All-Star team. We expect him to be a fantasy factor in the NHL in 2013-14. For now he is needed in Syracuse for the club's push for the Calder Cup.

Brett Connolly has been recalled by Tampa Bay. In 67 games with Syracuse this season, he has accumulated 27 goals and 57 points. Connolly suited up in 68 contests with the Lightning last year and he registered 15 points. He will fill in up front for the big club following the trade that sent rookie Cory Conacher to Ottawa.

Brett Connolly has been selected as the Tampa Bay Lightning's top prospect of the week. Connolly had two goals and four points in three games with AHL Syracuse Crunch. He played in 68 games with Tampa Bay last season, but hasn't gotten a chance with them in 2013.

Brett Connolly was called up from the minors on Friday January 18.

Brett Connolly will remain in the AHL and not head up to join the Lightning at training camp. "We felt at this time, for our needs in Tampa and the role that he would play here, he's better off playing there," said GM Steve Yzerman. "He's playing a lot of minutes in all situations and he's getting better. So I'm very comfortable with where he is right now. He's going to be a good player for us. I just think he needs to play, and play a lot." Connolly has been great with Syracuse thus year, while scoring 15 goals and 33 points in 36 matches. He said he understands the decision even though he found it disappointing. Connolly skated in 68 games with Tampa last season and he ended up with 15 points.

Brett Connolly set up two goals in Syracuse's 4-3 loss via the shootout to Adirondack on Friday night. Connolly has 25 points on the year. Tyler Johnson also had a goal and an assist in the game to give him 29 points, good for fourth in the AHL, nine points off the lead.