Mike Reilly seems like an outsider within the Bruins' roster. The Bruins' d-man figured within the top-six last year, until the Bruins brought in Hampus Lindholm, pushing Reilly outside the lineup.
The Bruins acquired Reilly from the Ottawa Senators a few years ago. Reilly is currently entering his final year with Boston. He has an AAV of $3,000,000. Last season, the D-man played in 70 games, recording 17 points.
Reilly plays an offensive role on the Bruins defensive core, he likes to rush the puck up and join the play. Due to his inconsistent defensive play, Reilly would be considered an offensive defenseman. Reilly is not a physical player, but he is a good skater, although he needs to improve his defensive metrics.
Why should the Bruins inquire into moving Reilly? The left-handed d-man doesn't fit into the lineup. As of right now, many sources have inferred that Reilly would not be in Bruins' top-six, even with the injury of Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk. The Bruins would be paying Reilly, $3,000,000 to sit in the press box.
Offense. Although Reilly is a capable offensive defenseman, he doesn't have the best o-zone skills on the team. Reilly wouldn't factor in on the power play, as Charlie McAvoy, Matt Grzelcyk, and Hampus Lindholm are all above the d-man on the depth charts.
The cap also plays a role. The Bruins are currently just more then $1,000,000 over the cap hit, meaning that they will need to make a transaction in-order to start the season. Reilly is an asset that will have solid value on the trade block, so the Bruins would be able to get a fair return.
Of course, Reilly could excel during training camp and earn himself a roster spot. But, as of right now, it is likely Reilly is the most obvious candidate to be moved prior to the start of the 2022–23 season.