UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – JUNE 09: On June 09, 2021 in Uniondale, New York, Mike Reilly #6 of the Boston Bruins skates against the New York Islanders in Game Six of the Second Round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Nassau Coliseum. The Islanders advanced to the Stanley Cup Semifinals against the Tampa Bay Lightning after defeating the Bruins 6-2. (Image courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images))
Mike Reilly will resign with
the Boston Bruins, according to a source who spoke with Pierre LeBrun.
The Boston Bruins and free-agent defenseman Mike Reilly have agreed to a three-year, $3 million AAV contract.
Report: Mike Reilly, a defenceman Signs Again With The Boston Bruins
This season, the relatively young defenseman made a big impression and won the admiration of both traditionalists and analytics gurus. With the Ottawa Senators in a losing season, his potent two-way play made it nearly difficult to ignore him. Even at 28 years old, he still has a few fantastic seasons left in him, and his eventual salary increase was greatly influenced by his recognition.
In essence, Reilly played for two teams during the season. It was his chance to shine in a Boston Bruins uniform after being acquired at the deadline for just a third-round draft pick. He was moved for a 2022 third-round draft pick, which was regarded by most to be a steal, and after looking at the data and watching him play, I’d have to agree. Despite the fact that he didn’t score any goals this season and only managed 27 points overall, he made more contributions than just points. It would be unjust to use points alone because defensive impact is more than just points.
The stats for Mike Reilly on Evolving-Hockey Among defensemen, Reilly finished with the 17th-highest goals above replacement (GAR). Additionally, his best-expected goals above replacement (xGAR) ranking was 61st. Considering where Reilly spent the majority of the season playing, they are fantastic results. Though he wasn’t a slouch in Ottawa, he was at his best in Boston.
It was more of the same in eleven playoff games. Reilly played strong defense and managed to score four points in 11 games overall. At 5v5, he scored 53.37%, which was marginally higher than average anticipated goals for percentage (xGF%). Among the 19 players who played at least 50 minutes, it ranked 13th best. The real goals for percentage (GF%) category indicates how well the team performed with him on the ice. He ranked sixth on the team among players with the same criteria at 5v5, with a 63.27% rate. His body of work stayed steady and superior throughout the regular season and postseason.
It’s difficult to determine if Reilly’s performance this year was his finest on either side of the puck. But judging from the numbers alone, not to mention his age, I doubt it. The Bruins didn’t have to give up a lot for him because they knew what they were getting at the deadline. In the NHL these days, it seems that strengthening the back end is popular, and acquiring a player like Reilly is surely one method to achieve that. He’s a valuable asset because of his cool demeanor, strength on both ends of the rink, and composure. He rarely commits a terrible offensive play or a breakdown on defense. Although he may not be the best on either side, he’s.