The Columbus Blue Jackets re-signed forward Zach Aston-Reese to a one-year contract extension on Monday, bringing the reliable veteran two-way winger back for a second season. This is a smart move by GM Don Waddell.
Just before the start of the season, Waddell scrambled to find a few veteran players to round out the fringes of the CBJ lineup. He signed James van Riemsdyk and Kevin Labanc as free agents. And, when the Vegas Golden Knights placed veteran utility forward Zach Aston-Reese on waivers; Waddell plucked him up. He's been a great fit in Columbus so far.
Never a big offensive producer in the NHL (especially considering the fact that he's a forward) Aston-Reese has carved out a niche for himself by playing low event hockey. He's played in 42 of 43 games so far this season; scoring 4 goals and 11 points. More than anything else, he's been a standout in the defensive zone and on the penalty kill; while also forechecking well and bringing a steady veteran presence to the room. In short, he's exactly what this team has needed for several years.
When the Jackets claimed him via waivers, I thought he would prove to be a fringe NHL player at best. Maybe a #13 forward who can slot into the fourth line and be reliable in depth minutes. Instead, he's played in nearly every game quietly done a nice job. Not bad for a guy who was claimed for virtually nothing.
Zach Aston-Reese, extended 1x$0.8M by CBJ, is generational. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/56yNMmk09M
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) January 13, 2025
Value can be found in a variety of places...
Zach's one year extension will pay him league minimum salary next season, giving the Jackets plenty of flexibility both from the lineup perspective; and the salary cap perspective. Of the players picked up by Waddell just before the season started (including Labanc and van Riemsdyk), Aston-Reese was the most obvious one to sign to an extension because of his age, role, and value.
This is the kind of player that is loved by the coach and in the locker room. By signing him to a deal at league minimum, Waddell keeps a solid veteran around without pigeon-holing himself into a spot where he's blocking a prospect or preventing another move. I see nothing but positives in this contract extension.