The Carolina Hurricanes are in high spirits with 11 days before puck drop on opening night. On Friday (Sept. 18), they took to the ice 96 days after winning it all to begin preparing to defend their Stanley Cup title. After the first of two practices this morning, The Hockey Writers interviewed defenseman Mike Reilly.
Returning to the Hurricanes
Reilly was an unrestricted free agent (UFA) for most of the offseason. It was uncertain whether he would return to the Hurricanes, especially after finishing with one goal and nine assists in 42 games. However, on Sept. 10, Reilly signed a one-year, two-way extension to stay with the team. He will be paid $850,000 in the NHL or $450,000 in the American Hockey League (AHL).
When asked about returning to Raleigh for another season, Reilly said, “Things were dragging on a little bit, but not looking in the past. This is where I wanted to be. We have a lot of great defensemen; you know when you can be on a winning team, especially like last year. They know me pretty well here, I would think, and just excited to get going. Looking for an opportunity and go from there.”
Stepping Into a Bigger Role
Reilly joined the Hurricanes on a one-year deal signed before last season. He came in as the seventh defenseman, providing nights off for rest or filling in for injuries. Carolina’s blue line was decimated by injuries in 2025-26, and Reilly played 42 games, holding down the fort for defensive coach Tim Gleason when called upon.
Mike Reilly, Carolina Hurricanes (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
When asked about jumping in and out of the lineup last season, Reilly said, “I feel like I’ve been there in my career before a little bit, and it’s not the easiest thing in the world. I feel that I am able to be out of the lineup for a little bit; I can come back in and get back into it pretty quick.”
He continued, “I think they may have realized that a little bit too, here. Obviously, play a lot of games, be out a little bit, but back in. In the playoffs, being in there a little bit, then out. It’s just preparing every single day. I’m playing and not trying to be ‘I’m out a week straight or two weeks’ and get into the mindset of ‘I’m never going to get back in’. You just stay sharp; mentally sharp is probably the most important thing.”
Stanley Cup Run, Parade, & Celebrating in the Offseason
It was a whirlwind experience for Reilly and the Hurricanes, going 16-3 en route to winning their second Stanley Cup in franchise history, dispatching the Vegas Golden Knights in six games in the Final.
Days later, the team celebrated with a projected 200,000 fans in downtown Raleigh. It was a surreal experience for everyone to see the swarms of Caniacs who descended on the city for the parade. Over the summer, players and staff get to celebrate one day with the Cup. Reilly brought the trophy to Minnesota, known as the “State of Hockey”.
When asked about his playoff experience and his day with the Cup, he said, “It was special. I mean, I’m from Minnesota, and hockey is so big there, and I’ve had so many buddies that I grew up with, played with, and go on to high school and college and all of that. It was definitely surreal.”
“I had a lot of support behind the team and me, which was special,” he continued. “Was able to eventually get home after the unbelievable week in Raleigh after we won it. It was special to see a lot of people that were following, the people I didn’t even really know that were following either. It was kind of cool to see that and get that support. We’re all ready to go here.”
Transition from Winning a Stanley Cup to Defending a Title
It’s easy to see why the Hurricanes are so successful. The team doesn’t rest on its laurels, already focused on the upcoming season and defending their title.
When asked about switching the mindset from champions to the new season, Reilly said, “When we had our camp meeting the other day, [head coach Rod Brind’Amour] just told us straight: the past is the past. I know a lot of coaches say that, but with these guys I know they believe that. Everyone is starting even right now, even yesterday, and finishing with the conditioning test.”
“You kind of forget about the summer and stuff, winning and everything else,” he added. “It helps we got a veteran group too, especially with guys who have been here. So many guys are well conditioned. You work really hard in the summer, and you can tell. I think it helps turn the page and know that it’ll be tough; every day is tough, but the leadership we have helps.”
The Hurricanes begin the 2026-27 season at home against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday, Sept. 29. No matter where Reilly starts the campaign, his new deal signals his value to the organization. He can play when they need him, and he knows what’s expected of him.
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