Should the Maple Leafs Re-sign Zach Aston-Reese?

Reason Two: Aston-Reese Plays with Physicality

Aston-Reese brings a physical presence to the ice. He had 163 hits during the season, and that’s not shoddy. Such a physical presence helps create space for teammates and provides a level of toughness that the team has been missing.

Reason Three: Aston-Reese Is a Net-Front Presence

Aston-Reese battles in front of the net. That leads to scoring opportunities and screens for teammates. His willingness to go to the “tough areas of the ice” creates scoring chances. Again, and this might seem redundant, he adds that gritty element to the team’s offence as well as it defense.

Reason Four: Aston-Reese Will Likely Re-Sign at Cap-Friendly Cost

Aston-Reese’s projected cap hit is under $1 million. Thus, re-signing him provides the team with cost-effective depth. This allows the Maple Leafs to allocate their resources to other areas of need while still maintaining a capable forward in the lineup.

One Big Reason Not to Re-Sign Aston-Reese

However, there’s only one reason I believe the team might choose not to re-sign Aston-Reese. That’s if he takes the place of a youngster who might be rising through the Maple Leafs organization and could fit into the spot.

Here, I’m first thinking of Bobby McMann. He plays a sort of in-your-face game, and he might have a significant more offensive upside that Aston-Reese had.

I do know that, when Matthew Knies arrived on the scene, Aston-Reese’s ice time dropped significantly. Knies is a player you want to make space for. Are there others?

The Bottom Line

If the coaching staff might have other players in the organization they’d like to see used in the role that was Aston-Reese’s, I’m guessing the chances of his being re-signed are lower.

While there might be similar players available in free agency, Aston-Reese is a known quality. I’d lean toward keeping him. He does have more offense than I expected, and he was solid for the team.

The tipping point for me is this: if there are prospects pushing for full-time spots, they deserve the first chance. If not, and he can be re-signed for a salary-cap friendly price. Sign him up.