Former Capitals forward Brett Connolly was back at Capital One Arena for the first time on Wednesday since signing as a free agent with the Florida Panthers on July 1.
As has become tradition, the Capitals aired a heartwarming tribute video for Connolly during the first TV timeout of the game.
Video
š¤ š¤, @bconnolly8 pic.twitter.com/oWEH96t0gc
— Washington š¦ Capitals (@Capitals) November 28, 2019
The video spanned several on and off-ice highlights of Connolly’s career with the Capitals. From a couple of missed fistbumps, to an enduring and sweet moment with Capitals fan Keelan Moxley, all the way through to lifting the Stanley Cup.
NBC Sports Washington posted a version of the tribute video later, which included a camera on Connolly and his reaction to all of the clips.
Thanks for the memories, @bconnolly8 ā¤ļø pic.twitter.com/cldXef7K3p
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) November 28, 2019
Connolly waved to the crowd after the tribute video finished playing.
Brett Connolly waves to the crowd after the Capitals play their tribute video for him pic.twitter.com/CuzTJ82YWR
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) November 28, 2019
John Carlson — who was sitting in the box for a delay of game penalty — tapped his stick on the glass in salute of his former teammate.
John Carlson banged his stick against the penalty box door in salute of his former teammate pic.twitter.com/L04FYrE0Fe
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) November 28, 2019
Connolly’s wife, Katrina, who is at the game, was reported by a fan to have looked emotional during the tribute video. (Us too, Katrina!)
The Capitals also posted a photo of Connolly during warmups, welcoming him back to Capital One with a wave.
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— Washington š¦ Capitals (@Capitals) November 27, 2019
Through 24 games with the Panthers in the 2019-20 season, Connolly has continued to dominate on the team with 11 goals and seven assists. Connolly is currently the Panthers’ top goal scorer.
When the Capitals visited Florida for the first time this season in early November, Connolly also hosted around ten of his former teammates at his new home, in order to say goodbye properly.
“I left after last year, said a half-assed goodbye and then Iām gone,” Connolly told The Athletic’s Tarik El-Bashir at the time.
It’s nice to have you back, Conno. Now please don’t score any goals on us tonight.
CRASH THE NET / WELCOME HOME CONNO @bconnolly8 pic.twitter.com/nAEYPl1Luq
— RMNB (@russianmachine) November 28, 2019
Full RMNB Coverage of Caps vs Panthers
Headline photo: NBC Sports Washington
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