New York Islanders veteran defenseman Mike Reilly is set to undergo a heart procedure that will keep him out of the game for an unspecified amount of time, as announced by the team on Monday. This unexpected development came to light during testing for a concussion that Reilly suffered in a game against the Buffalo Sabres on Nov. 1, which resulted in him being placed on injured reserve and missing the team’s last seven matches.
Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello revealed that the heart condition was discovered through routine echocardiograms conducted as part of the post-concussion evaluation. Despite the setback, Lamoriello viewed the discovery as a fortunate turn of events, as the issue may have otherwise gone unnoticed. He emphasized that Reilly’s overall well-being is the top priority, ensuring that his quality of life will not be compromised, and he will be able to return to the ice once the procedure is successfully completed, albeit after a significant recovery period.
Although Reilly has yet to make a significant impact on the scoreboard this season, having notched zero points in 11 games, his absence will undoubtedly be felt on the defensive end, given his contributions in terms of physicality and shot-blocking. The team will now have to adjust to his absence and find ways to compensate for his absence in the lineup.
Looking ahead, Lamoriello indicated that it may take “several months” before Reilly is able to resume playing, highlighting the lengthy rehabilitation process that lies ahead. In the meantime, the Islanders will need to rely on their depth and defensive strategies to fill the void left by Reilly’s absence and maintain their competitive edge in the league.
As the team prepares to move forward without one of its key players, the focus remains on supporting Reilly through his recovery journey and ensuring that he receives the necessary care and attention to return to full health. The Islanders will need to rally together as a team and demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity, standing united in their efforts to overcome this unexpected challenge and continue their pursuit of success in the season.