Pittsburgh Penguins top prospect and ex-Winnipeg Jet Rutger McGroarty is starting to ramp up the production at the AHL level Former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Zach Aston-Reese [https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/player/zach-aston-reese-8479944] is staying with the Columbus Blue Jackets, agreeing to a one-year extension [https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/blue-jackets-sign-zach-aston-reese-one-year-contract-extension?utm_source=social&utm_medium=tw&utm_campaign=release&utm_content=zar] worth $775,000. Initially signed as an undrafted free agent, Aston-Reese debuted with the Penguins in 2017-18, missing out on the back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017. He skated with Pittsburgh for five seasons, scoring 29 goals and 62 points in 213 games. Aston-Reese was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks on Feb. 21, 2022, in exchange for Rickard Rakell. After departing Anaheim, he played 77 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2022-23 before three games with the Detroit Red Wings in 2023-24. In July 2024, Aston-Reese joined the Vegas Golden Knights on a one-year deal. The Blue Jackets selected him off waivers on Oct. 7, 2024. In 42 games this season, the 30-year-old from Staten Island has four goals and 11 points with 19 penalty minutes and a minus-6 rating, playing in Columbus' bottom six. CapWages indicates that Aston-Reese has made over $5.7 million over his eight-season NHL career. In 352 games, he has 46 goals, 91 points, and 145 penalty minutes. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEwNjYwNDIwMDI3OTUwOTI5/thnpitbanner.png]
