Blue Jackets Make Decision on Pending UFA Zach Aston-Reese

Bottom-six forward Zach Aston-Reese is in his first year with the Columbus Blue Jackets, his fifth team in the last three seasons. The pending unrestricted free agent, however, will be sticking around, as he has been inked to a one-year extension.

ANOTHER YEAR OF ZAR! 🤩

We’ve signed forward Zach Aston-Reese to a one-year contract extension through the 2025-26 NHL season!

📝 https://t.co/PofsArzQVO @RuoffMortgage | #CBJ pic.twitter.com/BRnNfzI7hG
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) January 13, 2025

The physical and speedy forward has fared well in his 13:09 of ice time per night with Columbus, posting 11 points, on pace for a career high, while dishing out 94 hits in 42 games as well.

#CBJ GM Don Waddell on the Zach Aston-Reese extension: "Zach has been a great addition to the Blue Jackets on the ice and in the dressing room. He brings speed, grit and versatility to our forward group and we are excited that he will continue to be a part of our club."
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) January 13, 2025

"Zach has been a great addition to the Blue Jackets on the ice and in the dressing room. He brings speed, grit and versatility to our forward group and we are excited that he will continue to be a part of our club," said GM Don Waddell.

Aston-Reese, 30, has also suited up for the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Anaheim Ducks and Pittsburgh Penguins, all since the 2021-22 season. He spent the first four+ years of his career with the Pens.

The Blue Jackets claimed him off waivers from the Vegas Golden Knights just before this season began.

He has 46 goals and 45 assists for 91 points and 915 hits in 352 career games, with a +27 plus/minus rating, while averaging 12:57 of ice time.