The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed forward Zach Aston-Reese to a professional tryout contract.
Aston-Reese split 2021-22 with Pittsburgh and Anaheim, going to the Ducks in the deal that sent Rickard Rakell to the Penguins. Aston-Reese had two goals and 11 points with Pittsburgh and an additional three goals and four points in 17 games with the Ducks after the trade deadline. Aston-Reese’s value is more as a defensive forward, while also having a strong frame that allows him to win tough puck battles.
The Leafs have a crowded bottom-six with players like Wayne Simmonds, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Joey Anderson and Adam Gaudette, among others. Aston-Reese will need to have a strong camp, or the Leafs will need to consider moving on from someone like Simmonds (who holds a modified no-trade clause) to make room for Aston-Reese if he is to make the squad.
So, it’ll be an interesting few weeks to see if he makes it onto the roster.
