After not signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who drafted him in 2011, former Gophers’ defenseman Mike Reilly became a highly sought after free agent for NHL teams this summer. With reported interest from as many as nine teams at one point, including the Chicago Blackhawks, Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins, Reilly ultimately decided to stay home by signing a two-year, $1.85 million entry-level deal with the Minnesota Wild on July 1.
The Wild have seven defenseman that are either locks to be on the roster or on a one-way contract, so Reilly has an uphill climb to make the team right out of the gate without injuries coming into play.