Maple Leafs sign Connolly to 2-year deal

TORONTO, July 2 (UPI) -- The Toronto Maple Leafs said Saturday they have signed free agent forward Tim Connolly to a reported two-year, $9.5 million contract.

Connolly, who has spent most of his 10-year NHL career with the Buffalo Sabres, has racked up 118 goals and 277 assists for 395 total points in 627 contests.

Last year he was fifth on the Sabres in scoring with 42 points in 62 games.

The 30-year-old center, however, has had a history of injury problems. He has not played as many as 80 games in a season since 2002-03, sustaining a pair of concussions and other injuries.

The Globe and Mail reported the Leafs have committed $9.5 million to Connolly despite the injury risk.

Dave Nonis, vice president of player personnel, told the newspaper he is "comfortable with his health" and said Connolly will "be given a chance to play in the top six."