Wild recall prized free agent Mike Reilly from Iowa of AHL

Devin Dubnyk of the Minnesota is familiar with what it's like to struggle. So he can't help but feel for Jonathan Bernier, admitting that while in that kind of slump, it sucks.

The Minnesota Wild have recalled prized free agent signing Mike Reilly from the AHL’s Iowa Wild.

Reilly was a 2011 draft pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets, but the American defenceman was chose not to sign with the club, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent this off-season.

Many teams bid for his services before the 22-year-old reached an agreement with the Wild on a two-year, entry-level deal.

Reilly played college hockey for the University of Minnesota Gophers, and was the 2015 Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Year, as well as a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, losing to Jack Eichel.

In 23 games with Iowa, Reilly has nine points, good for seventh among AHL defencemen, but is a league-worst minus-23. Iowa is at the bottom of the AHL standings with a 3-16-1-3 record.

Minnesota has sent defenceman Christian Folin to Iowa to make room for Reilly. Folin, 24, has two assists in 14 games this year.

Minnesota’s next game is Thursday night when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs, though it remains to be seen if Reilly will get to make his NHL debut.

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