Defenseman Mike Reilly has finally decided on a landing spot, signing an entry-level deal with the Minnesota Wild. The deal for the 21-year-old blue-liner is for two years valued at $1.85 million.
Mike Reilly has chosen to sign with Minnesota. He picked them over Chicago and Pittsburgh.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 26, 2015
Drafted 98th overall in the 2011 Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets, Reilly has spent the last three seasons with the Unversity of Minnesota. This past season, he put up six goals and 36 assists in 39 games. Reilly made a name for himself early on with his puck-moving ability, smooth skating and a great shot.
After electing to leave the University of Minnesota, Reilly used his rights in the Collective Bargaining Agreement to become an unrestricted free agent. While the Blue Jackets held his rights until June 15th, both sides could not come to terms on a new contract. At the combine, it was reported that Reilly had met with up to ten teams, including the very one that drafted him. Other teams included the winner being his hometown Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and Stanley Cup winning Chicago Blackhawks.
Considered as a long-shot, the New York Rangers were advised that they were out of the running early on. With six defensemen already under contract for next season, the likely move to come out of their camp is re-signing Dylan McIlrath, who is a restricted free agent that mad great strides in the AHL last season, or even retaining the services of unrestricted free agent Matt Hunwick.
When drafted in 2011, Reilly’s weight of 160 pounds was a big question mark, but that’s since been wiped away as he’s added 30 pounds to his 5’11 frame. The defensive side of game, in particular his positioning, was a concern but he’s made vast improvements during his time in Minnesota. He still excels at carrying the puck, leading the rush and being a strong presence on the powerplay. His potential is a top-pairing defenseman, but a top-4 blue-liner who logs big minutes on the powerplay seems to be the perfect fit for Reilly. With the Wild he’ll get the opportunity to prove himself.
The Blue Jackets have a total of eight defensemen under contract for next season, including five that are entering the final year of their deal – four RFA, one UFA. With Dillon Heatherington in the pipeline and six picks in the first three rounds of the 2015 draft, General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen has the opportunity to fill the defensive void in the Blue Jackets prospect pool that Mike Reilly has left behind.
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