The final preview for the Carolina Hurricanes' defense is another newcomer to the organization after being signed during free agency this summer. Mike Reilly has been around the block a time or two, bringing loads of experience to Raleigh in his first season as a Hurricane. While his role is still undefined, his value can't be understated.
Reilly was selected in the 4th round of the 2011 Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets, but he never suited up for the team that drafted him. Opting to become a free agent after not signing with Columbus, Reilly stayed in Minnesota after spending his college days in the state. He signed a two-year deal with the Wild after a successful college career.
Over the next ten years, Reilly bounced around the league. Throughout his career, he's played for Minnesota, Montreal, Ottawa, Boston, Florida, and New York (I). Reilly has put together solid seasons, posting a career-high 27 points with Ottawa and Boston in 2021. He has been eliminated twice by the Hurricanes in the playoffs, losing in the 1st round with Boston in 2022 and New York in 2024.
Last season: 0-2-2 in 18 games (with NY Islanders)
The start of the season was very unremarkable for Reilly. Through the Islanders' first 10 contests, Reilly was kept off the scoresheet. He was playing a little over 17:30 per night, though the Islanders got off the a very slow start.
Reilly's season came to a screeching halt following a hit from Buffalo's Jordan Greenway on November 1st. While the hit was shoulder-to-shoulder, Reilly hit his head on the ice and suffered a concussion. Additional tests during his recovery unearthed a preexisting and undiagnosed heart condition. Reilly underwent a procedure to address the issue, prolonging his stay on Injured Reserve.
After over four-and-a-half months on the shelf, Reilly returned to the lineup on March 16th, recording an assist in a 4-2 win over the Panthers. He recorded another assist a few games later, his second and final point of the season. He was scratched for 10 of New York's final 11 games, playing in the team's finale. Reilly was New York's nominee for the Masterton Trophy.
Bold Prediction: Reilly scores a goal in his Hurricanes debut
As I expect them to be configured on Opening Night, I think Mike Reilly is likely to begin the season as the team's 7th defenseman. This means it's unclear exactly when he'll debut with his newest team. It also makes predicting his season tough because Reilly playing likely means that one of the six defensemen in front of him is hurt.
It would be poetic for Reilly to make his season debut against the Islanders on Halloween Eve or Boston on November 1st. It would be even more poetic if he were to score a goal against either for his first as a Hurricane. Of course, it's impossible to predict when that will happen, but it would be pure cinema if it does.
While we don't know what this season could bring for Reilly, he's a good addition to a team that is a little thin on NHL-ready defensemen in the system. Having a player with tons of NHL experience lurking as the 7D, if that is his role, will be important if injuries rear their ugly head. I'm looking forward to seeing the value Reilly brings to the team when given his chance.