After Being Released from PTO, Zach Aston-Reese Finds a New Home

Aston-Reese, who's played just over three hundred games in the NHL, was released from a professional tryout contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday. It appeared he would not find anywhere else to go before the new season officially started, but has now signed on with the Detroit Red Wings. This is a two-way deal, which pays him $775,000 in the NHL, and a guaranteed $350,000 in the AHL.

Aston-Reese played 77 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs last season, but was not re-signed when the playoffs ended. He started his career in Pittsburgh, and that's where he's spent the bulk of his NHL playing time. He also played 17 games for Anaheim after the trade deadline in 2022.

No one expects Aston-Reese to be a game changer, but he can provide depth for a team in the event of injuries and other circumstances.