Mike Reilly Hopes to Remain with NY Islanders Next Season

With all the injuries plaguing the NY Islanders' blue line in the early part of the season, the team required reinforcements, especially ones who thought with an offensive mindset.

Just over a month into the season, Lou Lamoriello claimed Mike Reilly off waivers from the Florida Panthers.

Last summer Reilly signed a one-year contract with the Panthers worth $1M, but rarely saw his name on the game-night roster in the early parts of the season, appearing in just two games.

With Adam Pelech placed on LTIR on Nov. 25th the Islanders needed a left-handed defenseman. Reilly had been a name thrown around for a few off-seasons as a potential name for the Islanders to bring in but nothing ever came to fruition.

It seemed like from game one that Reilly had found a home with the Islanders, finishing second among defensemen with 24 pints (6 goals, 18 assists) behind only Noah Dobson, and the teams top defensive Corsi-For at 51.21%

Despite his success on the ice this season, the 30-year-old defenseman is without a contract for 2024-25 but has expressed his desire to remain with the Islanders next season.

"I think I fit, definitely, for sure," said Reilly on clean-out day. "I'm hoping Lou and my agent can talk at some point here and hopefully it works out."

Five of the defensive spots are locked up for next season as it appears Scott Mayfield will be ready for the start of training camp. With one spot open available on the left side of the blue line, if a deal can be agreed which benefits both parties, there's no reason Reilly shouldn't be back on Long Island next season.

Reilly's play certainly has warranted him deserving of a new contract, but Lamoriello may want to search for younger alternatives, as three of the five defensemen under contract for next year will be 30, and Reilly would make four. Lamoriello can wait to see if there are younger alternatives come the start of free agency on July 1st but risks Reilly being swept up by another team.