Toronto Maple Leafs sign Zach Aston-Reese to professional tryout
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Friday they have signed Zach Aston-Reese to a professional tryout contract.
We have signed forward Zach Aston-Reese to a professional tryout (PTO) contract. pic.twitter.com/5CO81MNKOH
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) September 9, 2022The 28-year-old forward spent six seasons playing within the Pittsburgh Penguins organization before being traded to the Anaheim Ducks in March of this year. The exchange sent Rickard Rakell to the Penguins, with Anaheim acquiring Aston-Reese, Calle Clang and a 2022 second-round pick.
After a brief stint playing with the Penguins’ AHL affiliate (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton) in 2016-17 following his fourth year of NCAA play at Northeastern University, Aston-Reese was signed to a two-year, entry-level deal with the organization.
While he started the 2017-18 season in the minors, Aston-Reese was eventually called up to the NHL club, making his league debut against the New Jersey Devils on Feb. 3, 2018.
Aston-Reese then signed another two-year deal with the team leading up to the 2019-20 season and a one-year deal heading into 2021-22.
In 52 appearances with the Penguins this past season, he had 11 points and after being sent to the Ducks, he tallied another four points in 17 games. In his 230 career games, the Staten Island, N.Y. native has collected 32 goals and 34 assists for 66 total points in the NHL.
Aston-Reese will be looking to earn a depth forward role with Toronto, a spot there will likely be much competition for.
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