Connolly clears waivers; Rielly going back to junior

Nobody wanted Tim Connolly for free. Perhaps they’re hoping to get him at a discount?

Per TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Connolly has cleared waivers.

It’s possible the Maple Leafs will try to trade the 31-year-old center while offering to retain part of his salary and cap hit (up to 50 percent, per the new CBA) as an inducement.

For now though, Connolly will report to the AHL Marlies.

Connolly had a disappointing 36 points in 70 games last season; however, he didn’t get near the amount of power-play time in Toronto as he did in Buffalo, where he put up 65 points for the Sabres in 2009-10.

Connolly is in the final year of his contract, with a salary of $4 million and cap hit of $4.75 million.

In other Leafs news, 18-year-old defenseman Morgan Rielly, the fifth overall pick in the 2012 draft, has been sent back to WHL Moose Jaw.