The Minnesota Wild are expected to meet with soon-to-be NHL free-agent defenseman Mike Reilly at the NHL Combine this week in Buffalo, New York, the Star Tribune’s Michael Russo reports.
However, according to Russo, the Chicago Blackhawks are the favorite to sign the former Golden Gopher standout.
Reilly’s agent told Elliotte Friedman of SportsNet that the 21-year-old will meet with approximately eight teams this week.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/606109684517486592
Reilly, who left the Gophers to turn pro after his junior season, was twice named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and he was a Hobey Baker Finalist this past season. His 42 points as a junior led all NCAA Division I defensemen.
Per the Score, Reilly tallied one assist in ten games while playing for Team USA at last month’s World Championships in the Czech Republic.
Reilly can become a free agent on June 15. He was originally drafted 98th overall by Columbus in 2011, but the Blue Jackets have failed to sign him despite repeated attempts the last two years.
