After an exceptional 2013-14 campaign where Mike Reilly posted 33 points in 41 games with the University of Minnesota, he has decided it's in his best interest to return to the team for another season.
With the way Columbus' defense core is taking shape, it seemed unlikely he'd make the team this fall, so it's not surprising to see the First-Team All-American and Big Ten division Defenseman of the Year return for his junior season.
Minnesota is an excellent hockey program and he'll get to play big minutes in all situations while furthering his education, so this decision makes a lot of sense from his perspective.
Depending on how things play out over the next year, he could join the Blue Jackets for the playoffs should Columbus qualify for the playoffs and go on a bit of a run.
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It really wasn't surprising to see Columbus elect not to sign defenseman Gianluca Curcuruto and allow him to re-enter this year's draft. With Dillon Heatherington, Tim Erixon and Reilly, among others, expected to push for spots within the next couple years as well as Ryan Murray, James Wisniewski, Jack Johnson, etc. firmly entrenched into roster spots on the NHL roster, there doesn't seem to be much room for Curcuruto going forward.
Combine that with a mediocre season from Curcuruto while playing with the OHL's Plymouth Whalers, and the writing was on the wall.
Many people may not realize it yet, but Jarmo Kekalainen is well on his way to building something special with the Blue Jackets.
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