The Gophers' two-time All-American is reportedly dipping his toe into the turbulent waters of the free agent market. The offensive defenseman who has sparked Minnesota's offense for three seasons has officially left school amid reports that he is sniffing out the market, which is expected to be very interested.
Reilly is a fourth round draft pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2011 and reportedly is still considering signing with the club. The tick-tocking you hear, however, is the thirty-day window, which has already begun, for other teams to make him offers now that he's officially on the market.
Look for a higher price tag elsewhere than he's likely to receive in Columbus, which is obviously why he and his reps are testing the waters. There's nothing to lose.
An all-over-the-place puck-rushing blueliner, Reilly has created a lot of fireworks since skating into the lineup after a stellar junior career. His first few weekends in Maroon and Gold were breathtaking, and not only because of his skill set. His proclivity to jump into the play rather than remaining on defense, to somehow appear down in the corners rather than at the top of the play, surprised opponents and teammates alike. The coaching staff knew about his, shall we say, flexibility and held on tightly while he adjusted his style to the Division I game.
The results have been explosive.
Reilly led the Gophers in scoring during the 2014-15 season and was named to the U.S. National Team in April. After a stellar prep career at Shattuck, Reilly helped the Penticton Vees (BCHL) win a North American junior hockey record 42 consecutive games.
Reilly's departure is by no means unexpected. Following Minnesota's NCAA Frozen Four semi-final loss in 2014, many top players elected to forgo lucrative leaps into the pro ranks for one more crack at the big trophy. When the 2015 run also ended in disappointment, the flood gates were opened and many top players departed.
Whatever Reilly's haul turns out to be. it will be an interesting few weeks. That thirty-day clock has been ticking for a few days now and I'm sure his reps have been busy. Really, Gopher fans need to be thankful that he stayed for the extra season. There are few top Division I players who wear the colors for the entire four-year run anymore. Like bright stars, they shine in their time and then are gone. When Mike Reilly's sparkling trail ends it will be in an NHL uniform. We'll be happy he wore Maroon and Gold for three sensational seasons.
