Mike Reilly is among hockey's most-wanted prospects, and on June 15 might can become an unrestricted free agent. If, that is, he doesn't sign with the team that selected him in the NHL Draft. That team is the Columbus Blue Jackets. They picked him in the 2011 draft's fourth round, and then watched him pack off the Minnesota, where he became an All-American defenseman. STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS: | | Now 21, Reilly has decided it's time to leave school and start his hockey career. And while the Jackets remain in the picture, up to 10 teams are in pursuit of his services. Were still very hopeful that Mike Reillys going to join our team and sign with us," Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen said. "He would be a big, big addition to our team and the way we can get the puck out of our zone, move the puck, quick feet, speed, ability to think the game quickly he has all those abilities. "Now its up to him. Weve done a lot to make sure that he knows where were at and what our plans are and how much we respect his skill set. The balls in his court. Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen says Mike Reilly still may sign with Columbus Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) The Jackets allowed Reilly to talk with other teams, which he did at this week's NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo. They hold his rights through June 15, after which Reilly will be a free agent if he and the Jackets don't come to terms. Mike Reilly's agent Pat Bri son confirmed to me that his client has concluded his interviews w/ 9 other NHL teams. Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) Which it appears they might not. The McDavid Effect: hot college UFA Mike Reilly puts Hal Morris Jersey on his NHL short list. David Staples (@dstaples) Reilly turns 22 in mid-July. Drafted as a talented lightweight at 5-11, 165 pounds, he now is 6-1, 183. He had six goals and 36 a sists last season for a career-high 42 points in 39 games for the Gophers. He's a left-handed shot, Among his suitors, it appears Reilly favors the Chicago Blackhawks. He was, after all, born in Chicago. But as noted this week, Reilly's father is a minority owner of the Minnesota Wild. So the Twin Cities are now Reilly's home. How serious are teams about Mike Reilly? Chicago's Stan Bowman and Tampa's Steve Yzerman both flew to Buffalo to talk to him personally Ryan Kennedy (@THNRyanKennedy) Money isn't an object. The NHL collective bargaining agreement limits the money and the term, and Reilly would get the maximum in both. So who's interested? According to NHL.com, the Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins, plus the Blackhawks, got a chance to speak with Reilly this week. The Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues also have been mentioned. Ex-Gophers defenseman Mike Reilly plans to meet with , , among others. My STORY>>> Michael Ru so (@Ru sostrib) Penguins GM Jim Rutherford, for example, told the 's Dave Molinari of his team's interest. The Pens, Rutherford said, are transitioning into a younger defense, po sibly a younger team. And, Were a team that plays an up-tempo game that really suits his style." To get an idea about those options, check 's list of Reilly's top five options. Defensemen like Reilly aren't often available. Given his development at Minnesota and play with U.S. national teams, including the men's team at the world championship coached by the Jackets' Todd Richards, Reilly could be a plum whose next bin could be in an NHL dre sing room. Ryan Hendrix Jersey
Mike Reilly is among hockey's most-wanted prospects, and on June 15 might can become an unrestricted free agent. If, that is, he doesn't sign with the team that selected him in the NHL Draft. That team is the Columbus Blue Jackets. They picked him in the 2011 draft's fourth round, and then watched him pack off the Minnesota, where he became an All-American defenseman. STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS: | | Now 21, Reilly has decided it's time to leave school and start his hockey career. And while the Jackets remain in the picture, up to 10 teams are in pursuit of his services. Were still very hopeful that Mike Reillys going to join our team and sign with us," Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen said. "He would be a big, big addition to our team and the way we can get the puck out of our zone, move the puck, quick feet, speed, ability to think the game quickly he has all those abilities. "Now its up to him. Weve done a lot to make sure that he knows where were at and what our plans are and how much we respect his skill set. The balls in his court. Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen says Mike Reilly still may sign with Columbus Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) The Jackets allowed Reilly to talk with other teams, which he did at this week's NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo. They hold his rights through June 15, after which Reilly will be a free agent if he and the Jackets don't come to terms. Mike Reilly's agent Pat Bri son confirmed to me that his client has concluded his interviews w/ 9 other NHL teams. Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) Which it appears they might not. The McDavid Effect: hot college UFA Mike Reilly puts Hal Morris Jersey on his NHL short list. David Staples (@dstaples) Reilly turns 22 in mid-July. Drafted as a talented lightweight at 5-11, 165 pounds, he now is 6-1, 183. He had six goals and 36 a sists last season for a career-high 42 points in 39 games for the Gophers. He's a left-handed shot, Among his suitors, it appears Reilly favors the Chicago Blackhawks. He was, after all, born in Chicago. But as noted this week, Reilly's father is a minority owner of the Minnesota Wild. So the Twin Cities are now Reilly's home. How serious are teams about Mike Reilly? Chicago's Stan Bowman and Tampa's Steve Yzerman both flew to Buffalo to talk to him personally Ryan Kennedy (@THNRyanKennedy) Money isn't an object. The NHL collective bargaining agreement limits the money and the term, and Reilly would get the maximum in both. So who's interested? According to NHL.com, the Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins, plus the Blackhawks, got a chance to speak with Reilly this week. The Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues also have been mentioned. Ex-Gophers defenseman Mike Reilly plans to meet with , , among others. My STORY>>> Michael Ru so (@Ru sostrib) Penguins GM Jim Rutherford, for example, told the 's Dave Molinari of his team's interest. The Pens, Rutherford said, are transitioning into a younger defense, po sibly a younger team. And, Were a team that plays an up-tempo game that really suits his style." To get an idea about those options, check 's list of Reilly's top five options. Defensemen like Reilly aren't often available. Given his development at Minnesota and play with U.S. national teams, including the men's team at the world championship coached by the Jackets' Todd Richards, Reilly could be a plum whose next bin could be in an NHL dre sing room. Ryan Hendrix Jersey