Former Maple Leafs Forward Signs One-Year Deal With Eastern Conference Rival: Source

With NHL teams trying to figure how who the best pieces are to keep on their roster ahead of a player push and beyond, there are several contracts needing to be tended to before the summer and the free agent frenzy kicks off.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a few names they need to focus on and Brad Treliving has his work cut out for him especially with the contracts of Mitch Marner and John Tavares, and they might have something to learn from a Conference rival.

On Monday the Columbus Blue Jackets announced they had re-signed forward Zach Aston-Reese to a one-year extension. The news was relayed by NHL Insider Chris Johnston on X.

He signed for an extension worth the league minimum of $775,000 and wil keep him in Columbus until the end of next season.

This year Aston-Reese has four goals and seven assists in 42 games for the Blue Jackets.

Aston-Reese has found himself a solid third-line winger for the Blue Jackets and provides them both a solid defensive player who doesn't mind throwing his weight around, but who can score a bit too.

The 30-year old is an 8-year veteran and started his career with Pittsburgh, signing as an undrafted free agent. He enjoyed a solid five seasons as a bottom-six forward and put up 62 points in 213 games.

He had his best scoring output however when he was a member of the Maple Leafs in 2022-23 and was a part of the roster that won their first round playoff series; the first in nearly 20 years.

That season he had 10 goals, 163 hits and was also a clutch performer with two game-winning goals and added a goal for the team in the playoffs as well.

Although he hasn't had the flashiest season, he's been a solid contributor and the team felt the need to keep him around and got him on a bargain deal.