Brandon Dubinsky not a Fan of Mike Reilly

One has to wonder if this wasn't a drunk tweet or something along those lines. That being said, Columbus Blue Jackets isn't a fan of former Gopher Mike Reilly. 

Obviously, Reilly isn't the first college hockey player to go this route to the NHL, but I can see how Dubinsky and his Blue Jackets teammates might not be that impressed with the ex-Gopher's decision. Dubinsky has since deleted his tweet. 

The Wild Are Going to the Gophers: Mike Reilly Picks Wild

If you're a Minnesota Gopher fan, you're probably really happy right now. The highly-sought free agent and former Minnesota Golden Gopher Mike Reilly had narrowed his choices down to four teams, the Wild, Blackhawks, Kings and Penguins were said to be in the running for Reilly's services. If you're  a Columbus Blue Jacket fan, you're probably not all that happy.  

Michael Russo, Russo's Rants -- The Mike Reilly sweepstakes are coming to an end this afternoon and unless something backfires, he will be signing with the Wild.

But in other much-anticipated news, sources tell me agent Pat Brisson is expected to call Fletcher this afternoon with the news that Reilly has chosen the Wild. He can not officially sign until Wednesday.

Again, unless something backfires (I keep saying that because Reilly's camp has not informed the Wild yet), Reilly is expected to agree to a two-year, $1.85 million deal (plus bonuses) with the Wild, sources say.

So, if you're a Wild fan that's not a Gopher fan, are there too many ex-Gophers on the Wild? I am sure that Drunk Hockey Guy will go out and buy a new Minnesota Wild jersey with Reilly's name on the back. :)

View image | gettyimages.com

Mike Reilly Saga. Snubs Blue Jackets

View image | gettyimages.com

If you're a fan of the Columbus Blue Jackets, there's a very good chance that you're not all that thrilled with former draft choice Mike Reilly. The former Golden Gophers told the Blue Jackets that he won't be playing for them. Earlier this month Michael Russo said that the Wild were in the running for Reilly.

Sean Lehehy, Puck Daddy -- Todd Richards, Team USA head coach, had a window of several weeks to try and sell free agent-to be Mike Reilly one final time on the Columbus Blue Jackets while at the World Championships.

It didn’t work.

On Wednesday, the Blue Jackets announced that Reilly, who the team drafted 98th overall in 2011, would not be signing with them. Columbus held the former University of Minnesota defenseman’s rights until June 15, but the CBA allowed him to opt out of signing and pursue a deal elsewhere.

Ryan Johansen, your thoughts?

We didn't want him anyway — Ryan Johansen (@RyanJohansen19) June 17, 2015 “We did everything we could, but we have to make other plans now. He was a good prospect for us, but we have to move forward,” said Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen to the team’s website.

In three years with the Golden Gophers, Reilly posted 89 points in 117 games.

You may remember a similar situation last summer with Kevin Hayes, who opted not to sign with the Chicago Blackhawks and moved onto the New York Rangers. Same thing happened with Justin Schultz and the Anaheim Ducks in 2012 when he chose to sign with the Edmonton Oilers.

Former Gopher Mike Reilly Being Courted by 9 Teams

One of the major news stories making the rounds the last couple of days is that Former Minnesota Golden Gopher Mike Reilly is being courted by nine NHL teams.


The Minnesota Wild are one of the teams that are included on the list of teams in pursuit. I read multiple twitter stories and a couple of blog posts that said that the Chicago Blackhawks were tops on Reilly's list. Russo also confirmed this in a blog post, too.

The 9 clubs Reilly meeting with: CHI, CBJ, DET, EDM, LA, MIN, MTL, NYR, PIT. Reilly officially becomes UFA on June 16. — Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 4, 2015

Is the Gophers Mike Reilly Headed to Free Agency?

View image | gettyimages.com

It’s what I call the silly season. The season is over for most NCAA teams and some college hockey players are making decisions regarding their future. Do they stay or go? Here's an interesting story that I stumbled across today. It appears that the Columbus Blue Jackets beat writer is concerned that Gophers defenseman Mike Reilly might not be headed to the Columbus Blue Jackets.  

Michael Arace, Blue Jackets Xtra -- Former Blue Jackets scout Brian Bates bird-dogged Reilly since the kid was a scrawny ninth grader. When the Jackets’ turn came up in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL draft, Bates and others clamored, and the pick was made. Then-general manager Scott Howson selected Reilly 98th overall.

Four years later, Reilly’s considerable skills are better-honed — and he is 3 inches taller (6-1) and almost 30 pounds heavier (182). Although he remains slightly undersized by NHL standards, he is acclaimed to be NHL-ready after three years, two of them dominant, at the University of Minnesota.

Jackets fans have been eyeing Reilly lustfully during this crazily frustrating season. Management has been laying a red carpet. He is another piece for a young team that projects to be highly competitive in years to come. He is the rare defenseman who can skate or pass the puck out of trouble. Think, Paul Martin.

Alas, Columbus is not his destination.

All signs point in another direction.

The Jackets own Reilly’s rights for 30 days after he leaves Minnesota. The Gophers’ season ended last week with a 4-1 loss to Minnesota-Duluth in the first round of the NCAA tournament, but Reilly did not leave. Instead, he elected to concentrate on his studies and listen to the advice of “family consultant” Pat Brisson — who happens to be one of the most prominent hockey agents in the world.