Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Penguins signing of Aston-Reese may be last task of offseason

August 6, 2021, 9:23 AM ET [101 Comments]
Ryan Wilson
Pittsburgh Penguins Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Penguins and Zach Aston-Reese have avoided the previously scheduled arbitration hearing for later this month.





I thought the range was 1.5M-2.2M and this fits nicely towards the cheaper end of the spectrum.

This is a win win for both parties. Aston-Reese gets a raise and will be allowed to hit unrestricted free agency next year. The UFA status gives him leverage for the first time in his career. The Penguins return a quality depth player. While it is probably a little more than they wanted to spend it doesn’t come with term. A slight overpay is way more palatable on a one-year deal than let’s say a six-year deal.



There is evidence Aston-Reese is the glue that held the 4th line together, not Tanev





In their time together as a trio (562 minutes) the numbers were:

GF 16
GA10
xGF% 53.09
CF% 49.71

The Penguins are all set with their bottom six forward depth. They are still short at least one top six forward. The team currently has ~$121k of cap space. Barring a Marcus Pettersson/Mike Matheson trade we are likely looking at who the Penguins are going to be heading into the season. They can create a little bit of cap space by sending players like Sam Lafferty and Radim Zohorna down. Dominik Simon already on non-roster section of CapFriendly so his cap isn’t being counted at the moment, but could eventually.

Is this team better than the one who lost to the Islanders? I don't think so, but we'll find out.

Thanks for reading!
Join the Discussion: » 101 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Ryan Wilson
» Penguins earn victory on Jake night
» A salute to Jake Guentzel
» Sid puts on show as Avs dig out of hole
» A dud in Dallas
» My thoughts on Dubas' thoughts