Mike Reilly and loads of potential

Reilly was a staple on the Golden Gopher blue line as his University of Minnesota teams captured three conference titles. His good vision and hard shot made him the Gopher's power play quarterback. He also was on a Gold medal winning World Junior team back in 2013, and followed it up with bronze medal in the World Championships after defeating the Czech Republic.

He's still a bit of a wildcard defensively, but in his junior year, he made it a priority to be better defensively. He put on 10 pounds to be more of a force in his own end while working with Gophers Associate Coach Mike Guentzel on improving his positioning. He's made serious strides on both ends of the ice and it's a huge reason the All-American was such a sought after defenseman after not signing with Columbus.

When Ryan Suter is on his game, he is often carrying the puck up the ice and looking for the best way to gain the offensive zone. Reilly's game is very much like that as well. He is very much a mobile defenseman, but unlike Suter, he adds an offensive punch. His specialty is quarterbacking the power play - which is great for a team that has a struggling power play and not enough triggermen.

What the scouts say:

(Courtesy of Wild.com)

Reilly will get every chance to make the NHL squad in training camp and round out the top 6. He offers a lot of potential, it just needs to be realized, and that is why he lands at number 9 in our Top 25 Under 25.