Islanders Claim Mike Reilly Off Waivers

The New York Islanders have claimed defenseman Mike Reilly off the NHL waiver wire, per an announcement by the team.

The move comes after the Islanders placed defenseman Adam Pelech on long-term injured reserve earlier this afternoon with an upper-body injury.

Reilly, 30, joins the Islanders and bolsters their depth on the blue line that was already lacking prior to Pelech’s injury.

The nine-year NHL veteran was placed on waivers yesterday by the Florida Panthers after appearing in only two games for them this season.

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Reilly has played in 341 games, scoring a total of 98 points while spending time with the Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins.

Reilly can play for the Islanders as soon as tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers, and it’s possible he’s not the only addition to the roster.

Sebastian Aho’s status for tonight is uncertain after he left last night’s game in the first period and did not return.

If he’s unavailable, it’s possible the Islanders may have called a player up from AHL Bridgeport.