Veteran winger released from PTO, but secures a deal with another NHL team for the 2023-24 season
When Zach Aston-Reese was cut by the Carolina Hurricanes this week and released from his PTO, I'm sure that there was a great deal of concern on his part that he might not have a home for the 2023-24 season.
Aston-Reese has amassed just over 300 regular season NHL games and is actually a very useful defensive forward, but doesn't provide a ton of offensive punch, having recorded just 14 points in 77 games with the Leafs last season. However, the Detroit Red Wings appear to see something in him that others don't.
On Sunday, the Wings locked Aston-Reese up to a 1-year, two-way deal, which pays him $775,000 in the NHL, and a guaranteed $350,000 in the AHL. The expectation is that he'll begin the season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, if he clears waivers.
Aston-Reese did manage to score 10 goals for the Leafs last season, so some secondary offense is possible, but I'm positive that it's his defensive play and penalty killing ability that stood out to the Red Wings.
| POLL | ||
Is the Zach Aston-Reese deal a good signing by Detroit? | ||
| Yes, it makes sense | 39 | 47 % |
| No, the Wings don't need him | 15 | 18.1 % |
| Depth is good to have | 29 | 34.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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