Islanders Mike Reilly Shares Update On His Recovery From Heart Procedure

Mike Reilly plans to play before the season comes to an end.

At a season ticket holder event on Tuesday, New York Islanders defenseman Mike Reilly shared an encouraging update on his recovery from his heart procedure in November. 

Reilly said that he's hopeful to return to the lineup before the end of the season. 

"I’ve got a lot of support and stuff, and I still get to come to the rink. I’ve been skating and working out a lot," Reilly said. "I’m just going with the process a little bit here, which is still taking some time, but I’m hoping to come back here by the end of the season for sure."

Reilly initially left the Islanders lineup due to a concussion against the Buffalo Sabres on Nov. 1. 

While undergoing a few extra tests, doctors discovered that Reilly had a heart condition that required surgery.

"It's been quite the whirlwind for sure the last couple of months," Reilly recalled. "When I got the concussion, I was preparing to come back whenever I was ready, probably within a couple of weeks for sure, and we did some additional testing and found what was going on now inside of me, something I obviously did not expect. I felt good after the concussion within about a week or two and then discovered this, and everything kind of just took a 180."

General manager Lou Lamoriello said the concussion was a "blessing in disguise" to allow Reilly to receive the proper treatment.

A timetable was not provided for when he could return to practice on Tuesday. He has been on the ice with teammates before practices officially begin. 

Reilly is grateful for his teammates' support as he continues to work toward his return to game action. 

"Obviously, I'm not playing, but I still feel part of it, and the guys have been great. I got a lot of kind messages sent out to me from a lot of fans, so I'm definitely blessed for sure. I'm itching to get back here and preparing like I'm going to get back by the end of the season, for sure."

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