Zach Aston-Reese was a surprise addition to the Columbus Blue Jackets roster following the usual NHL waiver wire frenzy following the end of training camps in early October. "ZAR" had spent the preseason with the Vegas Golden Knights, and looked to be re-signed to playing away for the Knights’ AHL Affiliate, Henderson.
Instead, the Jackets announced on the following day that they had successfully placed their claim on him and that he would be joining the club.
ZAR has established a style of play for himself that has carried him so far in his career: he’s a pesky forward that is more than competent defensively, but can also give you 15-20 points every season on the fourth line.
A veteran of 29 NHL playoff games and nearly 400 in the regular season; he brought some much needed experience and poise to what had been an extremely young Blue Jackets lineup in the prior season. Along with players like James van Riemsdyk, Captain Boone Jenner, Alternate Captain Erik Gudbranson, and others; the lineup got a lot older and more experienced than it had been in a half decade.
ZAR ended up slashing a 6-11-17 line in 79 games played, posting a -15 rating while averaging 13:27 of TOI. That’s exactly what you’d expect out of a fourth liner known for his decent ability on the backcheck, his peskiness and foresight for breakout passes.
General Manager and President of Hockey Operations Don Waddell felt the same, and re-signed Zach to an additional year, extending his time in Columbus to at least his age 31 season, 2025-2026, at league minimum, $750,000 AAV.
I’ve basically already given it away, but what did I think of ZAR’s season? I think he did exactly what the club asked him to do: be a solid presence on the backcheck and use his peskiness to get under the skin of their opponents.
He’s an incredibly great guy to have in your system as depth, and at league minimum, a one-way versus two-way contract is irrelevant, thanks to the NHL CBA’s buried cap hit penalties. (A player on a one way contract still counts to the cap at his salary, minus the league minimum rate and then again minus $375,000, meaning ZAR counts $0.00 if on an AHL roster next season).
This means, from a literal salary cap perspective, his contract carries exactly 0% risk to the club, and he could be sent on waivers if his play starts to waver. But, I doubt that happens. ZAR played in the most games of his career, had the most stable spot in any lineup he’s played in during his career, played in the most games in a single season in his career, and was extended to play for the same team for the first time in a half decade.
ZAR is a consistent player. He’ll be the same kind of guy on the ice in ’25-’26, and will likely play in at least 70 games. If he puts up even 15 points, that’s awesome.