 On June 19, 2012, Gillies opted to forgo North American free agency and signed a one-year contract to play with Vityaz Chekhov of the Russian Kontinental Hockey League.On August 28, 2013, Gillies signed a contract with Helsinki IFK in the Finnish SM-Liiga for the 2013–14 season.On November 4, 2013, Helsinki IFK terminated the contract with Gillies.