Mike Reilly Bio
Michael J. Reilly Jr. is an American professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the fourth round, 98th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2011 NHL entry draft and has previously played for the Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers and New York Islanders. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 183 pounds, Reilly has built a career as a mobile, offense-minded defenseman across more than half a decade in the league.
Early Life and Background
Michael J. Reilly Jr. was born on July 13, 1993, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Although born in Chicago, Reilly grew up in Chanhassen, Minnesota, where he developed his early interest in hockey. He attended the Academy of Holy Angels before continuing his development at the well-known Shattuck-Saint Mary’s prep school, a program that has produced many NHL players. His father, Michael Sr., was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the eighth round of the 1977 NHL amateur draft, although he never played in the NHL.
Raised in a family with a direct connection to professional hockey, Reilly was exposed to the sport from a young age. His pathway through elite Minnesota hockey programs helped him sharpen his skills and gain national attention as a high school prospect. By the time he finished his time at Shattuck-Saint Mary’s, he had established himself as one of the top young defensemen of his draft class.
Path to Hockey
Reilly’s path to the NHL began in earnest when he was selected 98th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2011 NHL entry draft. Rather than sign immediately, he opted to continue his development at the University of Minnesota, where he played for the Golden Gophers in the NCAA. During his time in college, Reilly proved himself to be an offensive weapon from the blue line, recording 33 points in his sophomore season and 42 points in his junior year. These performances earned him the Big Ten Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year award and First Team All-American honors.
In his sophomore year, Reilly was part of a Minnesota team that reached the finals of the 2014 NCAA tournament, where they were upset by the Union Dutchmen. His success at the collegiate level made him one of the most coveted college free agents heading into the 2015 offseason. On July 1, 2015, Reilly signed a two-year, entry-level contract worth $1.85 million with the Minnesota Wild, choosing to remain in his adopted home state.
Mike Reilly Career
Early Career (2015-2017)
Reilly began his professional career in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Iowa Wild during the 2015-16 season. After scoring 23 points in 45 games at the AHL level, he was called up on January 9, 2016, and made his NHL debut in a 2-1 victory over the Dallas Stars later that day. He scored his first NHL goal and point on February 13, 2016, in a 4-2 loss to the Boston Bruins. In total, Reilly appeared in 29 games for the Wild that season, recording a goal and an assist.
The following 2016-17 season was more turbulent, as Reilly bounced between Minnesota and Iowa. He played 17 NHL games while registering a lone goal, but continued to produce offensively in the AHL with 30 points in 57 games. For the first time in his career, Reilly made the NHL roster to start the 2017-18 season. After scoring two goals and eight assists in 38 games with the Wild, on February 26, 2018, he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2019 NHL entry draft.
Montreal Canadiens Era (2018-2020)
After making his Canadiens debut on March 1, 2018, Reilly found a scoring touch with his new club, posting eight assists in 19 games, the same total he had recorded in 38 games with the Wild. However, Montreal finished well outside the playoff picture that season. Reilly continued his strong play into the 2018-19 campaign and formed a productive partnership with captain Shea Weber, finishing with 11 points in 57 games despite occasional healthy scratches.
Following the 2018-19 season, Reilly signed a two-year extension with Montreal worth $3 million. Fresh off the new deal, he looked to take a step forward in 2019-20, but instead found himself a consistent scratch. He played in only 14 games before being traded to the Ottawa Senators on January 2, 2020, in exchange for Andrew Sturtz and a fifth-round pick in 2021.
Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins Era (2020-2023)
With the Senators, Reilly finally enjoyed consistent NHL ice time. His first point as a Senator came on January 11, 2020, with an assist on a goal by Colin White. He finished with 12 points in 30 games before the NHL suspended the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Ottawa was not invited into the playoff bubble. In the delayed 2020-21 season, Reilly set a career high with 19 assists in 40 games, making him a prime trade target ahead of the deadline.
On April 11, 2021, Reilly was traded to the Boston Bruins in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL entry draft. He quickly found chemistry with the Bruins, recording eight assists in 15 games and helping Boston reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Reilly earned his first two playoff points in the clinching Game 5 against the Washington Capitals. He finished the overall season with a career-high 27 assists and added four assists in 11 playoff games. On July 27, 2021, Reilly signed a three-year, $9 million contract extension with the Bruins. During the 2021-22 season, he set a career high with four goals in 70 games. However, salary cap issues and inconsistent play led the Bruins to place him on waivers on November 9, 2022. He was re-assigned to the Providence Bruins of the AHL, where on February 24, 2023, he scored his first professional hat-trick in a 6-5 win, adding two assists for a five-point night.
Florida Panthers and New York Islanders Era (2023-2024)
On June 30, 2023, Reilly was placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a buyout from his remaining contract year with the Bruins. The next day, he signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Florida Panthers. However, his time in Florida was brief. After making the Panthers’ opening night roster, he did not see the ice until November 7, 2023, and was scoreless in two games before being placed on waivers and claimed by the New York Islanders on November 25.
Reilly made his Islanders debut on November 28 in a 5-4 loss to the New Jersey Devils and scored his first goal with the team on December 5 in a 5-4 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks. He enjoyed a career year with the Islanders, recording six goals and 18 assists in 59 games. He also scored his first career playoff goal in Game 5 of the opening-round series against the Hurricanes, though the Islanders were eliminated in five games.
Carolina Hurricanes Era (2025-Present)
Following the conclusion of his contract with the Islanders, Reilly signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on July 1, 2025, joining his seventh NHL team. The deal runs through the end of the 2025-26 season. As a veteran mobile defenseman, Reilly is expected to add offensive depth and puck-moving ability to the Hurricanes’ blue line as they pursue another deep playoff run.
Driving Style and Strengths
Reilly is recognized throughout the league as an offense-minded, puck-moving defenseman with strong skating and vision. He excels in transition and on the power play, using his mobility to join the rush and create chances from the blue line. Throughout his career, he has produced his best offensive numbers when given a consistent role and steady linemates, as evidenced by his career-high seasons in Boston and on Long Island.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Reilly’s signature moments are his first NHL goal on February 13, 2016, against the Boston Bruins, his first professional hat-trick on February 24, 2023, with the Providence Bruins, and his first career playoff goal with the New York Islanders against the Hurricanes. He has also represented seven different NHL franchises over the course of his career, a testament to his longevity and adaptability at the top level.
Mike Reilly Career Wins
Across his professional career, Mike Reilly has built a steady record as a depth defenseman who can provide offense from the back end. He has played in more than 400 NHL regular season games and additional playoff contests, contributing goals, assists, and reliable two-way play for every organization he has represented.
NHL Regular Season Highlights
Reilly scored his first NHL goal on February 13, 2016, while with the Minnesota Wild, and went on to record his first career-high four goals during the 2021-22 season with the Boston Bruins. He set a personal best with 27 assists in 2020-21 split between Ottawa and Boston. With the New York Islanders in 2023-24, he matched his career high with six goals and added 18 assists in 59 games, making it one of his most productive NHL campaigns.
Other Wins & Performances
At the AHL level, Reilly scored 23 points in 45 games during his rookie professional season with the Iowa Wild in 2015-16. He later produced 30 points in 57 AHL games in 2016-17. His most memorable AHL performance came on February 24, 2023, when he posted a five-point night, including his first professional hat-trick, for the Providence Bruins.
Mike Reilly Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Mike Reilly comes from a hockey family with direct ties to the NHL. His father, Michael Reilly Sr., was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the eighth round of the 1977 NHL amateur draft, though he ultimately never played in the league. Growing up with a father who had been through the draft process helped shape Reilly’s understanding of the professional game from an early age.
Personal Life
Reilly was born in Chicago, Illinois, but was raised in Chanhassen, Minnesota, which he has long considered home. His hockey development took him through the Academy of Holy Angels and Shattuck-Saint Mary’s before he went on to play at the University of Minnesota. He has continued to reside in hockey-centered communities throughout his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
Mike Reilly joined the Carolina Hurricanes on July 1, 2025, signing a one-year, $1.1 million contract for the 2025-26 season. The move gave him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot on a perennial Stanley Cup contender in the Eastern Conference. With the Hurricanes, Reilly is expected to serve as a puck-moving, offensive-minded depth defenseman who can contribute on the power play and stabilize the back end when called upon.
Throughout the early portion of the season, Reilly has been working to carve out a consistent role within a deep Hurricanes defensive group. His experience of more than 400 NHL games, combined with his ability to move the puck and produce offense, makes him a valuable complementary piece as Carolina pushes for another deep postseason run.
Looking ahead, Reilly’s primary goal for the 2025-26 campaign is to remain healthy and contribute steadily to a winning team. With his contract running through the end of the season and a deep Hurricanes roster chasing the Stanley Cup, Reilly has positioned himself for another opportunity to compete in the NHL playoffs and add to his list of career milestones.