Leafs announce a one-year contract for depth player after successful PTO
As per Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the process of finalizing a deal with forward Zach Aston-Reese. The deal is expected to be a one year contract, with a cap hit of $840,000.
Aston-Reese was on a professional tryout with the Buds, however many close to the team felt him signing was inevitable. The delay was likely due to Kyle Dubas and company needing to perform cap gymnastics to make all the pieces fit. Aston-Reese is coming off a $1.75 million dollar one year contract. When he went unsigned this offseason and took a PTO with the Leafs, many were surprised that he did not find an NHL contract.
The 28-year-old has played the last five years in the NHL. He started his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins back in the 2017-18 season. He stayed with the Pens until last season, when he was included as part of the package that sent Rickard Rakell to Pittsburgh from Anaheim at the trade deadline.
While Zach Aston-Reese won't light up the score sheet, he is a physical presence who excels defensively and on the penalty kill. He is also a wrecking ball who hits everything that moves.
In 230 NHL career regular season games for the Penguins and the Ducks, Aston-Reese has posted a total of 66 points (32 goals & 34 assists). Given this news, it seems safe to assume he has made the Leafs opening night roster. Expect to see him primarily in defensive situations this season.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 9 | 404 ANSWERS Leafs announce a one-year contract for depth player after successful PTO Are you happy the Leafs signed Zach Aston-Reece | ||
| Yes | 350 | 86.6 % |
| No, bad decision | 54 | 13.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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