Former Gophers All-American defenseman Mike Reilly informed the Columbus Blue Jackets that he’ll test free agency this summer, TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports.
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
Columbus selected Reilly 98th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. On Sunday he helped the United States cap off a third-place finish at the World Hockey Championship in
McKenzie, per the Star Tribune, noted that a 30-day window for the Blue Jackets to sign McKenzie started last week after Reilly officially withdrew from the University of Minnesota.
NHL free agency begins July 1.
The Hockey Writers speculated on six potential landing spots for Reilly.
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- Colorado Avalanche
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Edmonton Oilers
- Buffalo Sabres
- Minnesota Wild
Wild Xtra points out Reilly’s father is a part-owner of the Minnesota Wild, so speculation about Reilly potentially signing with the Wild – which would also allow him to stay close to his two brother who play for the Gophers – hasn’t been hard to find.
Reilly was a two-time All-American with the Gophers and was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year each of the past two seasons.
Report: #Blackhawks target Mike Reilly to test free agency http://t.co/6goEy4gUrf pic.twitter.com/jWRvghfLBd
— Second City Hockey (@2ndCityHockey) May 18, 2015
