Zach Aston-Reese, affectionately known as “ZAR,” made a splash with the Columbus Blue Jackets as a surprising addition following the NHL’s post-camp waiver shuffle. Having spent the preseason skating with the Vegas Golden Knights, it seemed like ZAR was destined to don the colors of their AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights. But just when it looked like the cards were dealt, the Blue Jackets swooped in and claimed him off waivers, adding a new piece to their puzzle.
ZAR has carved out a niche in the league with a game built on grit and reliability. He’s the kind of forward who thrives on being a thorn in the opponent’s side, showing solid defensive capabilities while chipping in a reliable 15-20 points from the fourth line each season. With nearly 400 regular season games and 29 playoff appearances under his belt, he brings a wealth of experience and stability, something the youthful Blue Jackets squad could certainly benefit from.
Last season, with ZAR skating alongside veterans like James van Riemsdyk and leaders such as Boone Jenner and Erik Gudbranson, the team’s roster matured in both age and savvy—a development the Blue Jackets sorely needed after a string of seasons full of youthful exuberance but lacking veteran poise.
Reflecting on his stats, ZAR put together a solid 6-11-17 stat line over 79 games, while logging an average of 13:27 of ice time per game. His -15 rating might not shine on paper, but that’s part and parcel for a fourth-liner whose forte lies in defensive plays and the knack for picking the right moments for breakout passes.
Columbus’ General Manager and President of Hockey Operations, Don Waddell, saw value in ZAR’s brand of hockey and rewarded him with a one-year extension, securing his talents through the 2025-2026 season. At a league minimum salary of $750,000 AAV, the deal is as much a financial boon as it is a hockey decision. The contract’s implications under the NHL’s current salary cap details mean the Blue Jackets face zero fiscal risks, even if ZAR finds himself reassigned to the minors.
The confidence in ZAR’s dependable presence on the ice and locker room can’t be overstated. With last season being his longest, most stable yet, and a chance to continue in a familiar environment, all signs point to a similar level of contribution moving forward. A dozen or so points might not set the league on fire, but for a reliable depth piece like ZAR, it’s precisely the kind of quiet efficiency Columbus is banking on.
