EAST MEADOW, NY -- It's been a long road for New York Islanders defenseman Mike Reilly. 

After suffering a concussion in a 4-3 win against the Buffalo Sabres on Nov. 1, doctors discovered a heart defect that required a procedure. 

Since undergoing the procedure on Nov. 18, Reilly has been out of the lineup, and there was no timetable for his return.

While there is nothing new on a timeline, Reilly took the ice with his teammates on Sunday morning ahead of their game against the Dallas Stars. 

"It is very inspiring [to see Reilly out there],” Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said. “From the moment that he got hurt in Buffalo to today, he’s gone through a lot, and it's nice to see that he wants to continue and he wants to come back. I mean, a lot of us probably, if we had a heart problem, would think otherwise, but it's the beauty of our sport. These guys love the game. They're passionate about the game, and it's nice to see that.”

Islanders forward Brock Nelson, who has been good friends with Reilly for more than ten years, is thrilled to see his buddy taking strides.

"It's been such a tough, tough year for him in terms of hockey," Nelson told The Hockey News. "But bigger picture, I think he's feeling healthy and good, and that's the most important thing. I have talked about a little bit how it was kind of a blessing to disguise that [the defect] was found and taken care of, and to get him back is great.

"I love Mikey. I've known him out for the better portion of a decade working out with him. And I think he works extremely hard at being the best he can, and he's got an infectious personality about him. He's just a good guy, kind of happy-go-lucky having a good time, and loves being at the rink with the guy. So it's nice to have him back. Hopefully we'll see him in game action soon. I'm sure it'll take a little bit, but he's looking great."

Even though Reilly isn't ready to go, how much of a spark does his presence provide to the group?

"I mean, moral wise, for sure," Nelson said. "Just to be able to see him around...I know right away, he was still around. You saw him a little bit, but like I said, just to see him having fun, doing what he loves, and being back on the ice.

"You can sense that energy from him and how excited he is to be back in the mix and be close. So, for us, that's huge. And try to feed off that and give him that same energy back, or reciprocate a bit just given how tough it's been for him to be out."

Reilly, who signed a one-year extension worth $1.25 million, has no points in 11 games this season but is a catalyst for the backend, given his skating and power play ability. 

The hope is that he'll be able to return to action before the regular season is over, and we'll keep you updated on his status. 

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