With one high profile NCAA signing already complete with Matt O’Connor, the Senators (along with every other NHL team) should seriously look at Blue Jacket’s pick and pending UFA, Mike Reilly.
Mike Reilly
Birthplace: Chanhassen, MN, USA
Birthdate: July, 13th 1993
Position: Left Handed Defender
Weight/Height: 183lbs 6foot1
2014-15 Statline (NCAA): 39GP 6G 36A 42P
At just 21-years-old, Mike Reilly still holds prospect status and has the potential to be an impact player in the NHL. His NCAA numbers compare to some of the league’s leading scorers as Reilly put up 42 points in 39 games as a defender, leading his team in scoring as well.
While he was drafted by Columbus in the 2011 NHL draft, Reilly did not sign an Entry-level deal and will therefore become a UFA in mid-June. Bob McKenzie gave us some details on Reilly today..
U of Minn D Mike Reilly, playing for USA at #WHC, informed CBJ this week he is going to explore UFA market but CBJ still a consideration.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 16, 2015
BTW, Reilly officially de-registered from U of Minnesota this week, which means he officially becomes UFA 30 days later, in mid-June.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 16, 2015
With pending UFA status opening in Mid-June, teams who are looking to sign Reilly will be holding talks fairly soon with his agents. This also provides benefit to the club who does sign him as it allows them to re-work their draft strategy based on a potential signing. Take Ottawa, for example. If Reilly does become a true target, the Senators could adjust who they look to select with their draft pick as they know they would be having another prime, young defence prospect entering the system.
A Fit In Ottawa?
Absolutely.
If I’m Senators GM Bryan Murray this is a guy I would chase hard. With O’Connor set to join Binghamton in October, another high profile young player who is still considered a prospect would do wonders for the system. Reilly, as an offensive defender would hold many of the same qualities as current Bingo defender and pending UFA, Chris Wideman.
Wideman put up amazing numbers in Binghamton last season with a statline of 19 goals and 61 points; good enough for top defender honours in the AHL.
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The Senators’ system of defenders has become somewhat depleted. The organization drafted three last summer in Miles Gendron, Kelly Summers and Andreas Englund but still lack at the AHL level. I’ve said it before but Frederik Claesson and Chris Wideman are really the only two guys who are anywhere near close to playing in the NHL and perhaps Claesson is still a few years away.
The idea of adding a prospect of Reilly’s pedigree is an interesting thought. The Senators have shown they aren’t afraid of NCAA free agents and should look at adding another top prospect if there is interest from the Reilly’s party. Because, of course, the Minnesota ties with Reilly are strong. I’d look for the Wild to be very active in signing this player.
Previous UFA Profiles:
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