Mike Reilly will go UFA. UPD: narrows list to 2 or 3 teams

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

Playing defence at the NHL level is a longer learning curve.

...and there are not a lot of players who are as good as Sam Bennett.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

I think there is a better than average chance that Smid is done. Most organization will have a top 6 heading into any season - the key is how strong is that top 6. If I'm Reilly and I have to beat out a guy like Schlemko to earn my spot, then I like my chances.
The fact is that the Flames rode 4 D for the playoffs - which to me screams opportunity.

And even that is suspect. I mean, Hartley leaned on Russel, Wideman and Brodie and he rode his horses hard, those 3 were amazing.

I'm probably Derek Engelland's #1 fan after his play during the last quarter and the playoffs, but what he has shown the team is that he can do what we needed Smid to do, he can step in to that #4 role for a limited period of time.

Same goes for Diaz and Schlemko, they played their roles and played them well, but those two are bottom-pairing guys.

In the end, I agree with you and I'm hoping Morrison makes the team, maybe not this year but hopefully next. Reilly should think hes got a really good shot here and that this organization doesnt turn it's nose up at the NCAA program.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Locke

Same goes for Diaz and Schlemko, they played their roles and played them well, but those two are bottom-pairing guys.

Actually, I thought Schlemko showed he could be a middle pairing defensive guy pretty damn well. He just doesn't bring the offense that you expect given his skillset. I'd doubt Reilly could supplant him.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Actually, I thought Schlemko showed he could be a middle pairing defensive guy pretty damn well. He just doesn't bring the offense that you expect given his skillset.

Yeah...I'm not sure I'm sold on that. I think he can step in but for extremely limited and sheltered minutes.

[GreenLantern2814]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Actually, I thought Schlemko showed he could be a middle pairing defensive guy pretty damn well. He just doesn't bring the offense that you expect given his skillset. I'd doubt Reilly could supplant him.

Schlemko is a perfect #7. He's much better than Diaz, he's won four playoff series, he's got decent size, and he can end a shootout in style.

But if you can't find six better options to start the season than David Schlemko, you're asleep at the wheel.

[Imported_Aussie]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern2814

Schlemko is a perfect #7. He's much better than Diaz, he's won four playoff series, he's got decent size, and he can end a shootout in style.

But if you can't find six better options to start the season than David Schlemko, you're asleep at the wheel.

Schlemko is a good #7, Engelland a good #6 and the top 4 is solid. What the team needs is a fringe top 4 guy - mobile enough to play well with Engelland, upside to step into the top 4 with injuries. Wotherspoon is not there just yet, Reilly would be a coup for that role IMO
Longshot to get him, but worth kicking tires

[sureLoss]

Elliotte Friedman @FriedgeHNIC
UFA D Mike Reilly will meet with approx 8 teams at combine, agent Pat Brisson confirms. Won't say who, but suspect CHI, LA, MIN among them.

[Poe969]

damn I hate the hawks for that reason. Seems every young player considers them and they become a front runner

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Poe969

damn I hate the hawks for that reason. Seems every young player considers them and they become a front runner

Freidman was saying that the Hawks are perceived as having room and opportunity for young inexpensive players, because they are spending so much at the top.

[ForeverFlameFan]

I'll go out of the box and say he signs with LA. They could really use some defensive help, especially if Sekera doesn't re-sign.

[sureLoss]

http://www.startribune.com/mike-reil...eek/305992731/

It’s believed two of the teams Reilly will meet with this week are the Wild and Chicago Blackhawks. I have also heard in the past the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings are also showing interest in the 2015 Hobey Baker finalist and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. The Blue Jackets believe they’re still in the mix, too, although it’d be pretty surprising if after all of this Reilly simply circles back and signs with the team he could have signed with the past two offseasons.

From everybody I have talked to, I believe that as of right now the Blackhawks are the frontrunners.

As I wrote last week, there are entry-level parameters, so it’s not like any team can sweeten offers. This will come down to which team sells their program best to Reilly and where he sees the best fit and clearest path to the NHL.

The Blackhawks could be selling to the left-shot, mobile Reilly that he’s the eventual Nick Leddy replacement. They dealt Leddy to the Islanders before this past season in a salary-cap move, and the Blackhawks will once again be in a severe cap crunch in a couple of weeks.

[Demetric]

well deep fried poop on a stick

[Fire of the Phoenix]

I am beginning to hate Chicago.

[sureLoss]

In case anyone was wondering how teams can speak to him, given that CBJ still has an exclusive negotiating window.

Aaron Portzline @Aportzline
#CBJ confirm they've given Mike Reilly and agent Pat Brisson permission to speak with other #NHL teams, an attempt to speed up the process.

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

In case anyone was wondering how teams can speak to him, given that CBJ still has an exclusive negotiating window.

Aaron Portzline @Aportzline
#CBJ confirm they've given Mike Reilly and agent Pat Brisson permission to speak with other #NHL teams, an attempt to speed up the process.

Likely wants to secure a contract before the draft, so that he can figure into interested team's plans without a new draft pick impacting his likelihood of playing next season.

[sureLoss]

Elliotte Friedman @FriedgeHNIC
BTW, Rangers are another team Mike Reilly will meet with Thursday. So, that's CHI, MIN, NYR, LA. Wouldn't surprise if PIT was involved, too.

[hockey.modern]

Hmm wonder if the convincing gillies did, helped at all

[Hugh Jahrmes]

Originally Posted by Fire of the Phoenix

I am beginning to hate Chicago.

Server must be glitching out and regurgitating old posts.. Chicago hate shoulda began loooooong time ago buds

[sureLoss]

Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
Advance correction to Insider Trading segment on impending college UFA Mike Reilly, who's in BUF today meeting teams. Meeting 9, not 8 clubs

[mrdonkey]

Originally Posted by hockey.modern

Hmm wonder if the convincing gillies did, helped at all

Doesn't sound like it. Have not heard the Flames come up even once in this, just the same list of usual suspects that seem to be in on every major free agent and trade discussion.