On Monday, the Bruins announced the signing of newly acquired Jimmy Hayes to a three-year contract worth $2.3 million per season. Along with Hayes, the B’s also signed fellow restricted free agent Brett Connolly to a one-year deal that will pay the former Tampa Bay Lightning forward $1.02 million in 2015-16.

Hayes signs with the Bruins just five days after being acquired from the Florida Panthers in exchange for forward Reilly Smith and the contract of Marc Savard. Coming off a one-year deal with the Panthers that paid the Dorchester native $925,000, Hayes earns himself a nice little raise — something he earned with a solid season in Florida a year ago. The former Boston Colege Eagle is coming off a season where he scored 19 goals (third on the team) to go along with 16 assists.

The deal is certainly good for both sides. In swapping Smith for Hayes, the Bruins will essentially get the same production for about $1 million less as Smith, who is currently making just under $3.5 million.

The signing of Connolly is another value deal for the Bruins that is low risk and high reward. Connolly hasn’t had much of a chance to show his talents thanks to a broken finger suffered in his first practice after being acquired by the Bruins from the Lightning at this year’s trade deadline.

Connolly says he is excited to get the contract done and is looking forward to getting back on the ice with the guys.

“Obviously it’s exciting. It’s good to get it out of the way,” Connolly said.

“I’m very, very excited for this season. Obviously, kind of a fresh start for the organization, moving a few guys, so it’s a good opportunity for me and I’m very excited to be a part of the Bruins – such a historic franchise – and it will be a good, fresh start for me. Obviously last year was a little weird, but it will be good to get there and get going.”

With some new faces set to be in the Bruins lineup come October, Connolly doesn’t exactly know where he fits in and what his role will be.

Connolly doesn’t seem to care what his role is; the 23-year old just wants a chance to play.

“You know, there’s a lot of good players, and up top, that’s obviously where you want to be and I know that’s where my game can be, so I’m excited for the opportunity,” Connolly said in regards to where he fits in the Bruins lineup. “You know, I’ve been working very hard this summer to be in the best shape possible to have a good start and come into training camp and be in good shape and be ready to play more minutes and be a contributor, help the team win and I’m excited to get down there and help them do that.”

Connolly has failed to live up to his pre-draft hype after being selected sixth overall in 2010. Many pre-draft rankings slated Connolly as the third-ranked North American skater behind Taylor Hall and some guy named Tyler Seguin.

In 139 career NHL games, Connolly has just 18 goals and 16 assists. Both Connolly and the Bruins hope a change of scenery does wonders for the Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada native.

With the season rapidly approaching, Connolly is working hard this summer in hopes of turning his career around. With a one-year deal inked with the Bruins, this may be Connolly’s last chance to prove he belongs in the NHL and is not just another complete first-round bust.

“I’m in Toronto. I’ve been in Toronto for five summers now, so kind of the same routine,” Connolly said. “I’m with a different trainer. Kind of the normal schedule like everybody, five times a week, Monday through Friday, on and off the ice, so I just want to be as ready as possible come September.”

With the signing of Hayes and Connolly, the Bruins have about $5.5 million in cap space. With a veteran blueliner and backup goalie on the wish list, GM Don Sweeney has a little bit of cap room to add another body or two.

The Bruins also announced the signing of Brandon DeFazio on Monday. The 23-year old has two NHL games — both with the Vancouver Canucks — under his belt. In 288 career games in the American Hockey League, DeFazio has 60 goals and 58 assists. DeFazio’s deal is a one-year, two-way contract worth a cap figure of $575,000 at the NHL level.