A Veteran Blueliner Is Returning To The Bruins On A 3-Year Deal

The Boston Bruins are signing NHL veteran Mike Reilly to a 3-year deal worth $3 million AAV. The 28-year old Reilly played 15 regular-season games with Boston last year, tallying 8 assists and a +7, as well as potting 4 assists in 11 playoff games. This season was his first playoff appearance.

Mike Reilly was drafted 98th overall by Columbus in 2011. He never played a game for the Jackets, being traded first to the Minnesota Wild, then to Montreal, and then to the Ottawa Senators where he was playing up until last season's trade deadline. He had 19 assists in 40 games with Ottawa when he was swapped with Boston for a 3rd-round pick. Reilly fit right in with the Bruins bottom-pair diown the stretch, and helped fill the void left by injuries to Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk.

While not exactly a goal-scorer, Reilly is a reliable bottom-4 defenceman who can help generate offence at a steady rate. He's not likely to find another gear in his game at this point, but his defensive play and veteran experience should bolster an already strong Bruins defence core. Reilly will hit unrestricted free agency again at the end of this contract, at the age of 31.

What do you think of the Bruins' signing of Mike Reilly?

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