Ex-Bruins Defender Finds Fit with Islanders

This former Bruins defenseman is having a nice season with the Islanders.

During last offseason, the Boston Bruins bought out defenseman Mike Reilly. It was understandable, as the Chicago native spent most of the 2022-23 season in the AHL and had a hefty $3 million cap hit. 

Following being bought out, Reilly inked a one-year, $1 million contract with the Florida Panthers. However, while with the Panthers, he was mostly healthy-scratched and played in just two games before being placed on waivers in late November. From there, the New York Islanders claimed him, and the fit has been excellent for him

Reilly, 30, has earned a permanent spot on the Islanders' blue line and is quietly having a strong campaign for them. In 44 games since joining the Islanders, he has four goals and 17 points. That is pretty strong production from a bottom-pairing defenseman, and it's safe to say that the Islanders do not regret picking him up for free. 

Reilly has shown previously during his career that he can produce well offensively, and he is starting to do so again. Because of his improved play, he has also received some power-play time with the Islanders.

Nevertheless, while Reilly's finish with the Bruins was quite underwhelming, it is nice to see him having a bounce-back season on Long Island. 

In 95 games with the Bruins, Reilly had four goals and 26 points. 

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