Toronto Maple Leafs Sign Forward Zach Aston-Reese off of PTO

Aston-Reese ended last season with the Anaheim Ducks after being traded by the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he spent the first four years of his professional career. In 230 NHL games, Aston-Reese has totaled just 66 points but does sport a +37 rating; which is not nothing.

A pure defensive-forward, Aston-Reese could provide Toronto with quality, responsible two-way play and competent penalty killing. Although he cannot be relied to score as much, that is hardly an area of inadequacy for these Maple Leafs. And with their goaltending tandem being as questionable as it is, the more defense the better.

In summary, this is a great signing. Basically, Aston-Reese and Denis Malgin are taking the roster spots of Kyle Clifford and Wayne Simmonds. A net-positive for Toronto, no matter how you cut it.

GM Kyle Dubas is clearly taking no chances with his lineup this season, as his job with Toronto is most definitely up for debate.