Mike Reilly will officially test the free agent market. The Gophers' two-time All-America defenseman informed the Columbus Blue Jackets, who drafted Reilly in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, that he will field offers from other interested organizations, TSN's Bob McKenzie first reported on Saturday.
Reilly told the Star Tribune in early April that he would forgo his senior season at Minnesota and sign a pro contract, but was unsure what organization he'd end up with despite the Blue Jackets' attempts to sign him immediately. He was one of three junior standouts, including defenseman Brady Skjei and goaltender Adam Wilcox, to sign pro contracts after the Gophers' first-round exit in the NCAA tournament.
McKenzie also reported that Reilly officially withdrew from school at Minnesota this week, triggering a 30-day countdown until he officially becomes an unrestricted free agent in mid-June. Reilly, however, said he's still considering signing with Columbus.
The Chanhassen, Minn., native is one of five college standouts currently competing with the USA men's national team at the World Championships in the Czech Republic. He's played in eight games and has one assist and nine shots on goal.
Mike Reilly will officially test NHL free agent market
Gophers' two-time All-America defenseman Mike Reilly told the Columbus Blue Jackets that he will field offers from other interested teams.
By jason.gonzalez
May 16, 2015 at 6:13PM
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Football Across Minnesota: Macalester players have learned to manage a unique schedule. Also: Alexandria's 99-yarder, and a legacy that began with Bud.
