I don't get the bitterness towards Reilly. Out of each draft NHL teams only typically only sign 3-5 players. It is not uncommon for CHL players to re enter after two years of for NCAA players to wait it out and become a Free Agent. He owes nothing to Columbus, he never would have even got a jersey out of them (by NCAA rules). It is also very possible they never even approached him with a contract proposal for years after they drafted him. I know of WHL players who have been drafted and were nevr offered a contract at all in the following two years. Drafting any player only means you own his rights, neither side owes each other anything in this case.
Another reason is money. Being a fourth round pick the BJ's were only going to offer a 4th round type contract in terms of money. It sounds like if he hits the UFA market his first contract could be for the ELC max, which is far beyond what any 4th rounder would get. This could very well be the only contract he will ever get so I cannot blame him for wanting the best contract available.
It is kind of funny how the GMs have an unwritten rule that they don't draft any re entry player from the CHL higher the second time around then they did the first time (J. Stoll wuold be the exception) but when NCAA players hit the market it can turn into an all out bidding war.
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