From Surgery to Ice: Mike Reilly's remarkable NHL return with Islanders

Mike Reilly’s long road back to the ice is finally over. After four months of uncertainty and relentless determination, the New York Islanders defenseman is set to make his long-awaited return. His journey from a career-threatening heart condition to reclaiming his roster spot is nothing short of inspiring. Tonight, under the bright lights of UBS Arena, Reilly is ready to prove he’s back where he belongs.


Mike Reilly had found his rhythm with the Islanders last season, earning a one-year deal after being claimed off waivers from, ironically, Florida. His presence on the ice was invaluable, his playmaking, puck control, and fearless defensive maneuvers made him an essential part of the team’s top-six defensive rotation. But then, on November 1, everything changed.
A hard collision with Jordan Greenway in Buffalo sent Reilly crashing to the ice, a brutal hit that initially seemed to leave him with just a concussion. But routine medical evaluations revealed something far more serious, a hidden heart condition. Suddenly, hockey wasn’t the biggest battle he was facing.
The news hit hard. Reilly had been eagerly anticipating a full season with the Islanders, but fate had other plans.“I was more excited than I’ve ever been going into a year in quite some time. In 10-11 games in, it takes a 180.” he admitted. “I’ve got a lot of support and stuff, and I still get to come to the rink.”
But rather than dwell on what he lost, Reilly focused on the fight ahead. Just four weeks after undergoing heart surgery, he was back on the ice, skating independently before gradually rejoining team drills. By February 23, he had taken the next step, practicing in a non-contact jersey, and within days, he was cleared for full contact. His resilience never wavered. His teammates, coaches, and fans stood by him, providing unwavering support as he worked tirelessly to return.

Now that he’s officially off injured reserve, Reilly’s challenge isn’t just about stepping back onto the ice, it’s about reclaiming his spot in a defense that’s now nine-men deep. But if there’s one thing Reilly has proven throughout his career, it’s that he thrives in adversity.
Also Read: “Things are happening and I don’t have a lot of control over it” - Stuart Skinner opens about backlash
From battling through setbacks to making a statement with his return, Mike Reilly’s journey is far from over. His heart both literally and figuratively has been tested, but he’s back where he belongs. And for the Islanders, having him in the mix once again might just be the game-changer they need.