Connolly (upper body) will not return to Thursday's game versus the Hurricanes.

EDGE Analysis

Connolly was injured during the second period on an accidental collision with the Hurricanes' Steven Lorentz. The 29-year-old Connolly appeared to suffer an upper-body injury of some sort on the play. It's unclear if he'll be available to play Sunday versus the Stars.

Connolly recorded a power-play assist, two shots on goal and two hits in Saturday's 5-4 loss to the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Connolly set up Connor Murphy's goal in the second period. The 28-year-old Connolly hasn't done much since joining the Blackhawks, with just a goal and an assist in nine games for his new team. He has six points in 30 outings overall when his production with the Panthers is factored in.

Connolly (COVID-19 protocols) will be in the lineup against Columbus on Monday, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports.

EDGE Analysis

Connolly was acquired from the Panthers on Thursday and will make his first appearance with the Blackhawks on Monday. The 28-year-old tallied two goals and four points while averaging 12:36 of ice time in 24 games with the Panthers. He'll start his Chicago career in a fourth-line role.

The Panthers traded Connolly, Riley Stillman, Henrik Borgstrom and a seventh-round pick to the Blackhawks in exchange for Lucas Carlsson and Lucas Wallmark on Thursday, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is primarily a cap dump for the Panthers, who are likely hoping to make additional moves now that Connolly's $3.5 million annual salary is off the books. Connolly has only appeared in 21 games with Florida this season, picking up just four points over that span, but he racked up 19 goals and 33 points in 69 games last campaign, so he could round back into form as a solid bottom-six option for Chicago. Connolly has two seasons remaining on his four-year, $14 million contract. He'll need to quarantine before joining his new team.

Connolly scored a goal on his only shot in a 4-1 win over Detroit on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Connolly deflected Gustav Forsling's point shot to give the Panthers a 3-0 lead in the first period. It was just Connolly's second goal of the season and his first since Feb. 11, ending a stretch of 12 games without finding the back of the net. The second-year Panther has endured a miserable campaign, posting just three points in 19 games after averaging nearly 18 goals over his previous four seasons.

Connolly was promoted to the active roster Saturday, George Richards of Panthers Press Box reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Aleksander Barkov (lower body) and Patric Hornqvist (undisclosed) ruled out for Saturday's game versus the Stars, Connolly likely will enter the lineup. The 28-year-old Connolly has played just one game in March. He's totaled three points through 17 appearances this season.

Connolly was assigned to the taxi squad Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Connolly made his first appearance since Feb. 27 when he suited up for Tuesday's loss to the Blackhawks. The 28-year-old forward looked ready to go from the jump, dishing out five hits and firing a shot on net across 11:10 of ice time. However, he'll go back to the taxi squad for now and won't play in Thursday's rematch.

Connolly was promoted to the active roster Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

It appears that Connolly will suit up for the first time since Feb. 27, as he has been on the taxi squad for the last 11 games. The 2010 first-round pick registered three points through the first 16 contests this year, adding 18 hits and 13 shots on net.

Connolly cleared waivers Monday and was assigned to the taxi squad.

EDGE Analysis

Connolly is two seasons removed from a 22-goal year with the Capitals, but he has struggled with the Panthers this season, scoring one goal on 13 shots through 16 games. The 28-year-old still carries a $3.5 million cap hit through the 2022-23 season. He'll continue to practice and travel with the team while on the taxi squad, but he'll need to be promoted to the active roster before playing his next NHL game.

Connolly was waived by the Panthers on Sunday, George Richards of Panthers Press Box reports.

EDGE Analysis

Connolly has put up three points and 13 shots on net through 16 games. The 28-year-old is signed through the 2022-23 season at a $3.5 million cap hit, so it's unlikely that he'll get claimed on waivers. However, if he clears, the Panthers can assign him to the taxi squad or the minors, which would provide some salary-cap flexibility.