NY Islanders Mike Reilly Returns to Lineup After Long Recovery from Heart Surgery

New York Islanders defenseman Mike Reilly wasn't sure a return to game action was possible this season, but it remained something he strived to achieve. On Sunday morning, the 31-year-old defenseman learned he would make his return to the lineup for tonight's game against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers at UBS Arena.

Reilly last played on Nov 1. in Buffalo, when he suffered a concussion followiing a hit from Jordan Greeway that resulted in Reilly hitting his head on the ice on the way down. During the evaluations that followed, a heart condition was detected, leading a necessary procedure. It was a happy accident, as the condition may have otherwise remained unknown if it wasn't for his injury.

"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 back in January at a fan event. "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 worked his way back slowly, first skating on his own and later with the team, before he was activated off IR on Mar. 8 after the trade deadline. “I feel like I’m ready to play, I feel good,” Reilly said. “I’ve been skating on my own a lot and getting touches and it feels good to be back with the team.”

Reilly was signed to a 1-year contract in the off-season after playing well after being claimed off waivers from the Florida Panthers. He earned himself a spot on the team's top six as an offensive defenseman with puck-moving ability and a willingness to join the rush. “It was a crazy week after the concussion,” Reilly said. “I was going to see a specialist for my head, and then for something to come out a day later that was heart-related, it was crushing. When I got all that news, it was a lot.”

Reilly will be returning in place of Adam Pelech, who blocked a shot with his skate in OT against the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night. Pelech did not participate at the morning skate. Defenseman Adam Boqvist, who left Tuesday night's game versus the Los Angeles Kings, returned to the ice, but was wearing an orange non-contact jersey.