Mike Reilly to meet with 9 teams; Blue Jackets, Blackhawks, Oilers among suitors

Mike Reilly's shortlist is more like a laundry list.

The University of Minnesota standout defenseman and former fourth-round selection of the Columbus Blue Jackets will meet with nine teams at the NHL scouting combine in Buffalo, reports TSN's Bob McKenzie.

His list is primarily comprised of Stanley Cup hopefuls, including the Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, and New York Rangers, but also contains the Edmonton Oilers, an option that's only recently become quite intriguing.

Here's the full list of teams preparing pitches for Reilly, per McKenzie:

With the salary cap pinching those poised to contend, capable bodies on entry-level deals from the NCAA talent pool are becoming invaluable commodities. Problem is, the freedom in which these players are able to choose their destination to sign at the mandatory cheap rate is advantageous to those who are already tilting the league's competitive balance.

For example, the Blackhawks will be desperate for inexpensive defenseman to replenish talent lost through free agency this summer. With Reilly, they can dangle big minutes and a legitimate chance to win, while promoting the fact that his own individual value will increase because of the elite players around him.

And as for the Blue Jackets, who should be lauded for uncovering value deep in the 2011 Draft, they will receive zero compensation if Reilly walks.

Maybe they should have canned him. Oh, it doesn't work like that?

Reilly will officially become a free agent on June 16.