Mike Reilly has not yet made a decision on whether he'll leave the University of Minnesota to turn pro, but if and when he does it's unlikely he'll sign with Columbus.
Logic suggested Reilly would probably end up signing with the Minnesota Wild - he played college hockey there, and his dad is a minority owner with the team - but it appears as if he has his eyes set on a division rival of the Wild that continues to get the best of them.
That team is the Chicago Blackhawks, who seemingly sign or are a finalist for every big name college free agent (Kyle Baun, Trevor van Riemsdyk, etc.).
Reilly is currently occupied playing for Team USA at the World Hockey Championships, but it seems likely he'll de-commit from Minnesota after the tournament concludes.
If and when that happens, Columbus will have 30 days of exclusive negotiating rights to try and sign him before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Unfortunately for the Blue Jackets, all signs point towards Reilly hitting the open market.
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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