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New York Islanders Defenseman to Undergo Emergency Heart Surgery: May Be Done for the Season

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Tom Banks
November 18, 2024  (5:45 PM)
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The New York Islanders lost Mike Reilly to a concussion recently, and now he's shockingly had to undergo heart surgery that will keep him out for a long time.

After a collision during the New York Islanders matchup with the Buffalo Sabres, veteran defenseman Mike Reilly left the game with a concussion and has yet to return for New York.

While he has officially been cleared from the concussion, it has now been revealed why he hasn't yet returned, as the Islanders announced a heartbreaking medical issue with the 31-year old.

According to the team, testing during the concussion revealed a heart condition for Reilly that will now require him to undergo surgery, surgery that will likely keep him out for months.

When asked to comment, General Manager Lou Lamoriello stated it was a "blessing in disguise", as without the concussion he may never have found the issue that he now needs to deal with.

"It's probably a blessing in disguise of what transpired. They detected this, something that you're sometimes born with, but never knew(His quality of life will be) 100% and he will be able to play once this procedure is done. - Lou Lamoriello»

Thankfully in Lamoriello's comments, he reveals that because it was caught now, Reilly will get back to 100% and will be back on the ice at some point in his life, but for now he'll miss months of action.

That may mean he returns next year during the 2024/25 season or he may be out until next season, but for now, it's very positive news as Reilly will make a full recovery and be able to continue his hockey career.

Through 11 games this season, the 31-year old has yet to register a point or an assist, but with a +1 differential, he was clearly making a difference for this team, so we hope to see him back on the ice as soon as he's physically able.

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New York Islanders Defenseman to Undergo Emergency Heart Surgery: May Be Done for the Season

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