Bruins add defenseman in first trade deadline move
Missing four of their top defensemen on Sunday, the Bruins struggled along the blue line in an 8-1 loss to the Washington Capitals. Luckily for the B’s though, reinforcements are on the way.
Following the game, the Bruins announced the acquisition of defenseman Mike Reilly from the Ottawa Senators. In exchange, Boston will send back a 2022 third round pick. The move was first reported by Hearing Bruins are getting Mike Reilly from Ottawa.
Reilly is a 6-foot-1 left shot defenseman in the final year of his deal. The 27-year-old has recorded 19 assists in 40 games so far this season, while posting a -2 rating for the fledgling Senators. This is the second straight year Reilly has been dealt mid-season, he was traded from Montreal to Ottawa last January. He’s also played for the Minnesota Wild, and was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets 98th overall in 2011. In 244 career games, he’s recorded eight goals and 64 assists.
Not only will Reilly help sure up the Bruins’ defensive pairings, he should add a spark to their even strength offense as well. Among qualified defensemen this season, he ranks second in five-on-five assists per 60 minutes ( If you're looking for even-strength production from the blue line, Reilly is a good pick-up.
Among 134 NHL D-men (min. 500 minutes of 5v5 TOI), Reilly ranks second in 5v5 assists per 60 minutes (1.27).
Only Cale Makar has a higher assist/60 rate (1.28).
With Reilly in the picture, will the Bruins now turn their attention to upgrading at forward? Or will they look to add another body to their decimated D core? Don Sweeney has less than 24 hours left to decide, with the NHL Trade Deadline set for 3:00 p.m. on Monday.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
