“A blessing in disguise” – Mike Reilly to undergo heart procedure for pre-existing condition after concussion testing, fans react

New York Islanders defenseman Mike Reilly is set to undergo a heart procedure on Tuesday after finding a pre-existing heart condition during medical testing. The team made the announcement on Monday that the 31-year-old will be out of the lineup indefinitely.

Reilly suffered from a concussion on November 1 during the game against the Buffalo Sabres. Sabres’ forward Jordan Greenway took a shot at the defenseman, leaving him to walk down the locker room due to a medical emergency.

However, during the concussion tests, the doctors found an underlying heart condition which the player was unaware of. NY Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello said the echocardiograms picked up the condition, and he is currently on his way to treating it.

It’s probably a blessing in disguise of what transpired. They detected this, something that you’re sometimes born with but never knew.

Lou Lamoriello as per Stefen Rosner of NHL.com.

#isles say Mike Reilly will undergo a heart procedure that will keep him out for “several months.”

Doctors uncovered the heart condition through tests stemming from a recent concussion, though it’s not related.

GM Lou Lamoriello called it “a blessing in disguise.”

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) November 18, 2024

For the time being, Mike Reilly will be placed on the injured list with an indefinite period. He is expected to be back to 100% health after the surgery. Lamoriello added that it may take “several months before he’s back” but health is the first priority.

Fans pray for Mike Reilly’s successful surgery after scary health update

Since November 1, New York Islanders defenseman Mike Reilly has missed seven games. In his past 11 games, he has not scored a point. The team signed a one-year $1,250,000 million contract for the 2024-25 season.

Fans on social media are happy to know that Reilly will get proper treatment done within time for his heart condition. While the concussion news was heartbreaking to many, they are now hopeful to see a healthy Reilly back on ice in the future.

One X user said, “Oh wow — praying for the best for Reilly. Scary stuff!” Another noted, “Praying for him and his family.” Check more fan reactions below:

Oh wow – praying for the best for Reilly. Scary stuff!

— Hockey Barn Review (@hockeybarn_) November 18, 2024

Praying for him and his family

— Lauren (@bigbruinsenergy) November 18, 2024

much love to the reilly family ? hoping he can rest and heal up well!

— grace (sport mode) (@GRobs_Boston) November 18, 2024

He should look into new pharma discoveries for strengthening hearts. They might have a new vaccine ready for that.

— Probable Spam (@probably_spammy) November 18, 2024

Heal up soon Mike!

— DANGLES-DEKES-DEATHCORE?☠️ (@IncredibleMrE7) November 18, 2024

Rangers fan here- god bless. That is a heck of a catch by the doctors. Praying for him and his family ?

— Benjamin Angowitz (@bangowitz) November 18, 2024

wow ?
Best wishes to him ?

— Céd☈ik McLaine (@cedrik010882) November 19, 2024

Praying for him, hope the procedure goes well and recovery is swift

— amar (@ehmar_p) November 18, 2024

That's scary

— Troy Sitko (@TroySitko) November 19, 2024

That is truly a blessing in disguise, sucks about that concussion but this was fortunate.

— Jacques Strapp ? (@WTFMAN999) November 18, 2024

On-ice accidents can often lead to serious and negative outcomes. There have been several players who have sustained and even passed away after horrifying on-ice accidents. NHL takes medical actions seriously, and thanks to the extensive tests on concussion, Mike Reilly found out about his heart condition early on.