Mike Reilly Could Add Veteran Depth to the Penguins Defense

The Pittsburgh Penguins have some work to do on defense this offseason. They are more than likely not re-signing Ryan Shea, and that is going to leave a hole. Shea had a solid season so he is probably going to want a contract with a longer term, and that is not something he is going to get in Pittsburgh. The Penguins have some defensive prospects coming up the ranks, but they will not be ready for full time NHL minutes at the beginning of next season. President of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas is on the lookout for an NHL ready defenseman and he may find one in free agency. 

Could Mike Reilly Help the Penguins?

The Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup this season, and defenseman Mike Reilly will now forever have his name etched on a moment in history. Reilly signed with the Hurricanes last summer and played in 42 games; he is now an unrestricted free agent and will turn 33 this summer. He has played for seven different NHL organizations, and has not really been able to cement himself anywhere. At 6-foot-2, 192 pounds, his story resembles that of another Penguins defenseman: Parker Wotherspoon joined the team last July and thrived in a top pairing role this season with Erik Karlsson, posting three goals and 27 assists for 30 points. 

Wotherspoon is four years younger than Reilly, but he spent a lot of time between the American Hockey League (AHL) and two different NHL teams trying to gain traction. He made some positive contributions on his former teams, but because of his limited opportunities he was never able to fully establish himself. When he got to Pittsburgh, the Penguins were in need of a partner for Karlsson and the rest is history. 

Age is not the only difference between the two: Wotherspoon packs more of a defensive punch, where Reilly is a little bit more of an offensive defenseman. He has usually been the type of guy to come in and play for a period of time due to injuries or healthy scratches, but there have been a few times throughout his career where he has been a regular in the lineup. The highest number of games he’s played in a single NHL season is 70, with the Boston Bruins in 2021-22, where he recorded four goals and 13 assists. 

 It is very unlikely Reilly would contribute in the same way that Wotherspoon did, however he could be a good third pairing option to replace Shea. His two-way game is good, and he brings a lot of experience with him. His passes are accurate and he’s a good skater; Carolina brought him on board because they needed a veteran blue liner, and he served that purpose. 

Dubas Needs an NHL-Ready Defenseman

Even if the Penguins pick up a defenseman or two in the draft, that will not help them next season. They may still be a little ways off from bringing home a Stanley Cup, but the goal is to continue to get closer to contention. Reilly would not be the most-glamorous addition, however he would provide veteran depth to an important position. It could be that he starts next season while Pittsburgh slowly works top defensive prospect Harrison Brunicke into the lineup.

Brunicke was close to earning a full time roster spot this season, but he probably won’t be ready for full time NHL minutes at the beginning of next season. Reilly doesn’t fit in with Dubas’ plan to make the team younger, but could be a low-cost, short-term solution on the blue line. The Penguins have a list of concerns to address this offseason and strengthening the defense has to be at the top of it.