On College free agent Zach Aston-Reese …
Pittsburgh Penguins: The Pittsbrugh Penguins have signed college free agent forward Zach Aston-Reese to a two-year entry-level contract.
Aston-Reese will go to the AHL on a amateur tryout for the rest of this year and his contract will kick in next year.
Jason Mackey: Aston-Reese led the NCAA in scoring with 31 goals and 63 points.
Adam Kimelman of NHL.com: On Northeastern college free agents Zach Aston-Reese.
“He’s got size (6-foot, 204 pounds), he’s got tenacity, he can score,” said Dave Starman, a college hockey analyst for CBS Sports Network and ESPN. “He makes his linemates better and he has been good in big games. I think his game would translate to the NHL. He’s a classic late bloomer.”
Rick Dhaliwal: Aston-Reese’s reps said that the Vancouver Canucks were a finalist and were given serious consideration before deciding on the Penguins.
Rick Dhaliwal: They were having serious talks with the Canucks yesterday afternoon
Rick Dhaliwal: Aston-Reese’s camp said the Canucks were the “land of opportunity.”
Bob McKenzie: The Canucks and Edmonton Oilers were told yesterday that they were out of the running for Aston-Reese.
On College free agent Gavin Bayreuther …
Dallas Stars: The Stars will make the signing of college free agent defenseman Gavin Bayreuther from St. Lawrence University official today.
Mark Stepneski: On Bayreuther: “He’s a lefty, good skater and a big shot. Put up some good offensive numbers at St. Lawrence University. 6-1, 194.”
Bob McKenzie: Bayreuter will likely sign an amateur tryout with the Stars AHL team in Texas with the two-year deal kicking in next season.
Bob McKenzie: Gavin Bayreuther was down to the Buffalo Sabres and the Stars.
Taylor Baird of Defending Big D: His draft profile from a couple years ago is similar to recent reports.
“Strengths: High skill set from the blue line, has a great shot and the ability to see up ice and create offense in transition
Weaknesses: Play in own zone has come along way, but still work to do, needs to work on gap control”S
