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.

Given his strengths (grit, versatility, shut-down ability), not to mention his connection to Dubas and the team, I’m more than a little surprised the Pens didn’t invite Zach to camp on a PTO.

Could it be a case of been there, done that?

Maybe.

I’m just surmising, but a couple of reasons pop into my head. During his last season here (2021-22) ZAR’s offensive contributions dried up to the tune of a paltry two goals in 52 games and an anemic 3.8 shooting percentage. Indeed, the scoring prowess he’d displayed while popping 31 goals in 38 games as a senior for Northeastern University seemed to have totally evaporated.

Reason number two?

Skating.

Although by no means a plow horse, ZAR doesn’t possess the extra gear Mike Sullivan craves. Players like Wagner and White do. The latter, in particular, has more of an offensive upside and he’s younger by three years to boot.

Still, for all his perceived deficiencies, Aston-Reese boasts a career 5v5 goals for percentage (GF%) of 54.2, despite a ridiculously low offensive-zone starts percentage. His expected goals-for percentage (xG%) has consistently graded out at over 50 percent, according to Natural Stat Trick. He’s good in the battle areas, too.

When all is said and done, I hope we haven’t overlooked an opportunity to add a solid, physical, affordable depth player to our mix.