From a waiver-wire pickup to a staple in the New York Islanders lineup, defenseman Mike Reilly has been a key addition to the blue line and is open to a contract extension.
From a waiver-wire pickup to a staple in the New York Islanders lineup, defenseman Mike Reilly has been a key addition to the blue line and is open to a contract extension.
From a waiver-wire pickup to a staple in the New York Islanders lineup, defenseman Mike Reilly has been a critical addition to the blue line.
Acquired from the Florida Panthers on Nov. 25, Reilly has played 50 games for New York, scoring five goals and 14 assists. He's played a vital role in their transition game —when it's one — and has been a solid quarterback for the second power-play unit.
Over a nine-year NHL career, Reilly has bounced around, playing for six different teams, and is looking for stability after a few rough seasons.
After signing a one-year deal worth $1 million with Florida last summer, Reilly is set to become a pending unrestricted free agent. How likely is it that he will get an extension with the Islanders?
It's something that Reilly is hoping for, and he thinks that with Patrick Roy aboard, his game fits the new system to a tee.
"I love it here, and I've let that be known to guys and people close to me. And I believe it's a good fit just with what they have," Reilly told The Hockey News. "Since Patty's come in, it's been a great thing for me as well with how he wants to play the game. The NHL, nowadays, it's faster every single year. It's higher paced, it's more skilled, and I think I fit that mold for sure."
It's clear that not every player on the Islanders roster can play within Roy's system.
Although the Islanders are in the heat of a playoff race -- five points back of the second wild-card spot with nine games to go -- there likely is an ongoing thought in Roy's and management's mind about the 2024-25 season.
Roy needs as many players who understand and execute his game plan, and it's clear that Reilly has a strong understanding of what's currently in place.
"The philosophy is a more aggressive approach. I think it forces the defense and even the forwards to use your feet. You're not really trying to stand still as much. You're attacking the puck. If there's a loose puck, go get it and join the rush. I haven't been held back. Obviously, there are times and places in the game, but it's been a good structure and system, philosophy-wise, and I feel like that suits me the way they want to play here.
"It's been good. The coach has been vocal as well, and they'll pull me aside, show me something -- could be a habit that slips in or whatnot -- but it's been good since Patty's been here."
Roy's arrival shocked most team members, including Reilly, who immediately felt the excitement.
"I've probably been asked 100 times, just from buddies, like, 'How's Patrick Roy?'. It's just funny because, obviously, he's a legend in the game, and even if you are a younger guy now, if you have played the video games or watched old ESPN highlights, like it was kind of the Avalanche and the Red Wings. You knew who he was," Reilly said. "He's obviously had some good interviews in the past as well. So yeah, I wasn't starstruck but just a little bit like, 'wow,' this is not a normal coach that has a background like that."
Reilly shared what those first few Roy practices were like.
"I think a lot of us were...I shouldn't say scared or nervous, but just a little anxious," Reilly said. "We wanted to get to work and that's what he instilled right away with the first couple of practices. What he wanted was a higher pace, so I was definitely a little nervous right away for sure. Obviously, I was still trying to find my way a little bit. But, at the end of the day, if you put the work in, and you show up and be a pro -- he can be intense -- but it's for the good of the guys and for the good of the team. That's his approach."
Regarding the team, Reilly really loves the room, and it's helped that he knew a few players already.
A native of Chicago, Reilly essentially became a Minnesotan, playing three years at the University of Minnesota before a three-year stint with the Minnesota Wild organization.
The Islanders have their fair share of Minnesotans on the roster.
"It's easy with the Minnesota guys. It's funny because I've been working with Brock [Nelson] ever since I turned pro, every single summer," Reilly said. "And we've gotten to know each other really well. We hang out in the summer quite a bit, so yeah, there are lots of different guys that I've known. Everyone's been great, and it's been a fun ride so far."
Looking into the Islanders' finances for the 2024-25 season, they will have around $6.34 million in available cap space, per CapFriendly, before making any moves, which includes re-signing pending UFAs -- if they go that route -- as well as handling their restricted free agents.
Regardless of the Islanders' route with certain players, Reilly wouldn't be a costly contract, likely a short-term deal worth $1-$2 million annually.
During Reilly’s exit interview, he doubled down on how much he loved being on Long Island and with this team.
“I've loved it here. And I think I definitely fit for sure, with what I bring,” Reilly said. “I hope Lou and my agent can talk and at some point here and hopefully it works out here.
“I don't believe (there were talks yet). But, I think for me, I just wanted to play and not worry about anything, anyway, so, I’m sure at some point here, something will be discussed.”
Islanders forward Brock Nelson, who has known Reilly for years, loved what he saw from him this season.
“I've known Mike for a number of years. We’ve been workout partners over the summer and I’ve seen him a lot and I know him really well,” Nelson said. To see him jump in here, into a new situation, I thought he ran with the opportunity he was given and played extremely well for us down the stretch. He was a big part of the team.
“He’s just a happy go lucky guy. He's kind of kind of easygoing just a funny guy to have in the room. He's been around a bit and knows what it takes and he cares about his game, cares about winning and I thought he bought that mindset in right away.”
Veteran defenseman and pending UFA Robert Bortuzzo isn't likely to be back, with Scott Mayfield (season-ending ankle surgery) expected to be ready for the start of next season. Sebastian Aho, a serviceable bottom-pairing seventh defenseman, is also a pending UFA who saw Reilly take his spot.
If those two do not return, logistically, the Islanders could use another defenseman, especially a mobile one, even if Samuel Bolduc is a piece of the 2024-25 puzzle.
And Reilly has done everything so far to earn a new deal on the island.