Penguins Update: What About ZAR?

Since taking over the Penguins’ helm in June, new POHO/GM Kyle Dubas has left few stones unturned in his quest for fresh talent.

Indeed, no fewer than eight new forwards, including recent PTO invitees Austin Wagner and Colin White, figure to be in the hunt for bottom-six roles.

However, I confess there’s one omission that’s baffled me.

Former Pen Zach Aston-Reese.

Following five mostly solid seasons in a supporting role in the ‘Burgh and what amounted to a cup of coffee with the Ducks, the defensive-minded forward became a UFA last summer. There were no takers until Dubas stepped up and offered ZAR an invite to the Maple Leafs camp on a PTO.

The former Hobey Baker finalist seized the opportunity and played his way onto the Leafs’ roster on a one-year deal. For a modest $840 K, ZAR enjoyed arguably his finest season, potting a career-best 10 goals to go with a decent 11.2 shooting percentage and 163 hits. Although they dipped slightly, his defensive impacts…his bread-and-butter…remained strong.

By all accounts, a good guy and a great teammate, too.

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