Columbus Blue Jackets prospect and Chicago Blackhawks rumored target Mike Reilly has withdrawn from the University of Minnesota and is headed for free agency, according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie.
U of Minn D Mike Reilly, playing for USA at #WHC, informed CBJ this week he is going to explore UFA market but CBJ still a consideration.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 16, 2015
BTW, Reilly officially de-registered from U of Minnesota this week, which means he officially becomes UFA 30 days later, in mid-June.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 16, 2015
Reilly was linked to the Hawks in early May.
Reilly, who turns 22 in July, was a fourth-round pick by the Blue Jackets in 2011. The 6-foot-1, 183 pounder posted six goals and 36 assist in 42 games for the Golden Gophers, and was named one of 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as college hockey’s top player.
The two-time All-American and reigning two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year won a bronze medal Sunday with Team USA at the IIHF Worlds Championships. The left-handed shooter posted an assist and 10 shots with a plus-3 in 10 games. He previously won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2013 World Junior Championships.
Pat Brisson, who represents both Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, will serve as a family advisor for Reilly, according to Aaron Portzling of the Columbus Dispatch.
There’s certainly young help coming internally on the blue line within the organization with Trevor van Riemsdyk and Stephen Johns, and signing Reilly won’t hurt the Hawks depth and would come at a low cost.
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