Did Hextall Sign Rickard Rakell for Too Long A former Pittsburgh Penguins depth piece could be heading to a Metropolitan Division rival. It was reported by Kevin Weekes of ESPN that Zach Aston-Reese is practicing at the New Jersey Devils facility and situation is “fluid.” The Penguins traded away Aston-Reese, along with Dominik Simon and Calle Clang, to the Anaheim Ducks for Rickard Rakell in a deal leading to the trade deadline. Aston-Reese was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and made his NHL Debut just under a year later. In 213 career games with the Penguins, Aston-Reese scored 29 goals and 33 assists for 62 points. Aston-Reese was most known in Pittsburgh and across the NHL as one of the top defensive players the league has to offer. From analytics to solid numbers, Aston-Reese is a bottom six forward, but can shut down some of the best forwards in the game. Aston-Reese signing with the Devils makes a tremendous amount of sense. Soon to be 28-years-old, Aston-Reese won’t cost a large contract and will play his defensive game for a team that needs to stop opposing offenses. Aston-Reese is an unrestricted free agent and is from the area as a native of Staten Island, NY. Like Weekes mentioned, there is no deal in place, yet, but something to keep an eye on. Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins [http://insidethepenguins.com/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more! The Battle is on for the Penguins Final Forward Position [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/pens-talk/battle-for-pittsburgh-penguins-forward-position] Top Five Moments of the Penguins 2021-22 Season [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/pens-talk/top-five-moments-pittsburgh-penguins-2021-22-season] Top Threats to Supplant Penguins in the Metro [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/pens-talk/top-threats-supplant-pittsburgh-penguins-metro-division] Is the Frustration With Penguins Bottom Six an Overreaction? [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/pens-talk/frustration-pittsburgh-penguins-bottom-six-overreaction] Penguins Should Tinker With Top Six Forwards [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/pens-talk/pittsburgh-penguins-tinker-top-six-forwards] Drew O'Connor Will Find More Playing Time With Penguins in 2022-23 [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/pens-talk/drew-oconnor-will-play-more-with-pittsburgh-penguins] * undefined * undefined