Michael J. Reilly Jr. Bio
Michael J. Reilly Jr. (born July 13, 1993) is an American professional ice hockey player who serves as a defenseman for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected in the fourth round, 98th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Reilly has built a steady NHL career spanning more than a decade. He has played for seven NHL franchises, developing a reputation as a reliable two-way defenseman with solid offensive instincts. Reilly joined the Hurricanes in July 2025, bringing his experience and skills to a team with strong playoff aspirations.
Early Life and Background
Michael J. Reilly Jr. was born on July 13, 1993, in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in Chanhassen, Minnesota. His father, Michael Sr., was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the eighth round of the 1977 NHL amateur draft, though he never played in the NHL. This family connection to professional hockey provided Reilly with early exposure to the sport and valuable guidance as he developed his skills in Minnesota’s rich hockey culture.
Reilly attended Academy of Holy Angels for his high school career before continuing his development at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, a prestigious hockey preparatory school that has produced numerous NHL players. His exceptional performances at both schools attracted attention from college programs and NHL scouts alike, ultimately leading to his selection in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
Path to Professional Hockey
After being drafted by Columbus, Reilly chose to pursue a collegiate career at the University of Minnesota rather than signing immediately with the Blue Jackets. Playing for the Golden Gophers, he emerged as one of college hockey’s most productive defensemen. His sophomore and junior seasons were particularly impressive, as he recorded 33 and 42 points respectively, showcasing the offensive capability from the blue line that would become his trademark.
These standout performances earned Reilly significant recognition throughout the college hockey world. He was named Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Year and earned First Team All-American honors in both his sophomore and junior seasons. During his sophomore year, Reilly helped lead Minnesota to the 2014 NCAA tournament finals, though the team was upset by the Union Dutchmen in that championship game.
Michael J. Reilly Jr. Career
Minnesota Wild (2015–2018)
On May 16, 2015, Reilly announced his decision to turn professional following his junior season at Minnesota. He became one of the most coveted college free agents available due to his impressive offensive statistics. Rather than signing with Columbus, Reilly opted to sign with the Minnesota Wild on July 1, 2015, agreeing to a two-year, entry-level contract worth $1.85 million.
Reilly began his professional career with the Iowa Wild in the American Hockey League, where he recorded 23 points in 45 games. His strong play earned him a call-up to the NHL on January 9, 2016, and he made his NHL debut that same day in a 2-1 victory over the Dallas Stars. He scored his first NHL goal and point on February 13, 2016, in a 4-2 loss to the Boston Bruins. Reilly finished his rookie NHL season with 1 goal and 1 assist in 29 games.
The 2016-17 season saw Reilly split time between Minnesota and its AHL affiliate. While he struggled to find consistent NHL playing time, recording just 1 goal in 17 games, he continued to showcase his two-way abilities in the minors with Iowa, accumulating 30 points in 57 games. For the 2017-18 season, Reilly finally made the Wild’s opening-night roster, though he again experienced inconsistent playing time. 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 (2018–2020)
Reilly made his Canadiens debut on March 1, 2018, and found immediate success with his new team. Recording 8 assists in 19 games to close the season, he demonstrated the offensive instincts that had made him a standout at Minnesota. The 2018-19 season began promisingly as Reilly formed a solid defensive partnership with captain Shea Weber. However, as the season progressed, lineup decisions worked against him, and he found himself occasionally scratched. Reilly finished the season with 11 points in 57 games.
Following the 2018-19 campaign, Reilly signed a two-year, $3 million contract extension with Montreal. The 2019-20 season proved challenging, as he was a consistent healthy scratch, appearing in only 14 games before the Canadiens traded him in early January.
Ottawa Senators (2020–2021)
On January 2, 2020, Reilly was acquired by the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Andrew Sturtz and a fifth-round pick in 2021. The change of scenery proved beneficial as Reilly finally established himself as a consistent NHL regular. He recorded his first point as a Senator on January 11, 2020, and finished the season with 12 points in 30 games. The NHL suspended its season due to COVID-19 before the Senators qualified for the playoff format.
The delayed 2020-21 season saw Reilly continue his consistent play in Ottawa. By the trade deadline, he had recorded 19 assists in 40 games, matching his career high at that point. His strong performance on a struggling Senators team made him an attractive trade target approaching the deadline.
Boston Bruins (2021–2023)
On April 11, 2021, Reilly was acquired by the Boston Bruins in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He proved to be an excellent deadline acquisition, recording 8 assists in his final 15 regular season games. This helped the Bruins secure a first-round playoff matchup against the Washington Capitals, where Reilly recorded his first two career playoff points, both assists, in Game 5. Boston advanced but was eliminated by the New York Islanders in six games. Reilly finished the season with 27 assists, a new career high, and 4 assists in 11 playoff games.
On July 27, 2021, Reilly signed a three-year, $9 million contract extension with Boston. The 2021-22 season represented his most consistent year statistically, as he appeared in 70 games, scoring 4 goals and 13 assists. He played 5 playoff games before the Bruins were eliminated by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round.
The 2022-23 season proved difficult. Due to salary cap constraints and inconsistent play, Reilly was placed on waivers on November 9, 2022. After clearing waivers, he was reassigned to Providence Bruins in the AHL. On February 24, 2023, Reilly scored his first professional hat trick, along with 2 assists, in a 6-5 victory for Providence. On June 30, 2023, he was placed on unconditional waivers for a contract buyout.
Florida Panthers and New York Islanders (2023–2024)
Following his buyout from Boston, Reilly signed with the Florida Panthers on July 1, 2023. His tenure with Florida was brief, as he did not play until November 7 and appeared in only 2 games before being placed on waivers and claimed by the New York Islanders on November 25, 2023.
Reilly’s time with the Islanders proved to be a career resurgence. He made his debut on November 28 and scored his first goal with the team on December 5 in an overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks. Reilly posted a career year with New York, recording 6 goals and 18 assists in 59 games. He also scored his first career playoff goal during the Islanders’ opening-round series against the Hurricanes, though New York was eliminated in five games.
Carolina Hurricanes (2025–Present)
As a free agent following his Islanders contract, Reilly signed with the Carolina Hurricanes on July 1, 2025, agreeing to a one-year, $1.1 million contract. This marked his seventh NHL team. Reilly joined a Hurricanes organization that has been a consistent playoff contender, providing him an opportunity to compete for a regular role on their blue line and contribute to a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.
Playing Style and Strengths
Reilly is known as a two-way defenseman who contributes offensively while maintaining solid defensive responsibility. His greatest strength lies in his ability to generate offense from the blue line, as demonstrated throughout his collegiate career at Minnesota and his various NHL seasons. His hockey IQ and passing ability allow him to contribute consistently on the power play, while his positioning and angling help him succeed in his own end. His left-shot capability has made him a valuable depth piece for multiple organizations throughout his career.
Michael J. Reilly Jr. Career Statistics
Across his NHL career spanning multiple franchises, Reilly has established himself as a reliable two-way defenseman capable of contributing offensively while playing solid defensive hockey. His career has seen him reach several personal milestones including his first NHL goal, first playoff appearance, and first playoff goal.
Career Milestones
First NHL Goal: February 13, 2016 (vs. Boston Bruins) First Playoff Point: Game 5, First Round, 2021 (vs. Washington Capitals) First Career Playoff Goal: Game 5, First Round, 2024 (vs. Carolina Hurricanes) First Professional Hat Trick: February 24, 2023 (with Providence Bruins, AHL)
Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Hockey runs deep in the Reilly family bloodline. Reilly’s father, Michael Sr., was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the eighth round of the 1977 NHL amateur draft. Though the elder Reilly never played in the NHL, his experience in professional hockey circles undoubtedly influenced his son’s development and career path. This family legacy connects Mike Reilly’s career to the very franchise he would later play for during his time with the Canadiens.
Personal Life
Beyond his hockey career, Reilly maintains a relatively private personal life. He has not publicly disclosed information about a spouse or children. His Instagram account, mikeyreilly5, provides occasional glimpses into his life outside of hockey.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025-26 season with the Carolina Hurricanes, Reilly joined his seventh NHL franchise. The Hurricanes have been consistent playoff contenders in recent years, and Reilly’s experience as a two-way defenseman provides valuable depth and versatility to their blue line. His ability to contribute offensively from the back end while maintaining defensive responsibility makes him a flexible option in various game situations.
Reilly signed a one-year contract worth $1.1 million, giving him an opportunity to prove he can be a consistent contributor for a team with championship aspirations. The Hurricanes’ system should suit his skill set, and with strong talent around him, Reilly has the chance to post productive numbers while helping the team pursue a deep playoff run. His veteran experience across multiple organizations will also serve as an asset in the locker room as the Hurricanes look to make another push toward the Stanley Cup.