Zach Aston-Reese

Aston-Reese isn't a difference-maker by any means, but he was again a reasonable bottom-six option for the Leafs last season (10 goals, 14 points in 77 games) while adding a physical element (163 hits) to the lineup. Aston-Reese also appeared in six of Toronto's 11 playoff contests. Still just 29 years old, Aston-Reese remained unsigned as of late August. The Harvard product should be able to find a full-time job, or, at a minimum, a professional tryout agreement, as training camp approaches. Regardless of where he lands, he's not a factor in fantasy..

Aston-Reese missed Pittsburgh's first 11 games of the 2020-21 campaign with a shoulder issue, although he did manage to suit up for every game, playoffs included, the rest of the way. He began his year with goals in three straight games before finishing with just six markers in his next 42 contests. The limited scoring aside, Aston-Reese has developed into a useful player for the Penguins. He kills penalties, throws the body around, and should be good for double-digit goals and 20-25 points over the course of a full 82-game season. Those are numbers that won't help fantasy managers outside of the deepest of leagues, but Aston-Reese is an asset for Pittsburgh.

It will take some time for Aston-Reese to get onto the ice this season as he's currently recovering from shoulder surgery he underwent in August. The 26-year-old winger isn't expected to be back in the lineup until mid-February, so he'll likely miss a quarter of the 2020-21 campaign. Even once cleared to play, Aston-Reese's less than stellar finishing touch -- he's never topped the 10-goal mark in three seasons -- figures to keep him stuck in a bottom-six role where he will have to compete with the likes of Colton Scevior and Teddy Blueger for minutes.

A strong showing at training camp will be critical for Aston-Reese, as he'll be in a head-to-head battle with Dominik Simon for a spot on the Penguins' fourth line. Simon likely has the inside track over the 24-year-old Aston-Reese given their respective point totals from last year (28 versus 17), but the situation is far from settled. Even if Aston-Reese is watching from the press box on Opening Night versus Buffalo, he should still get plenty of opportunities to play this season. Without a guaranteed spot in the lineup every night, Aston-Reese is at best a fringe fantasy option heading into 2019-20, but he could be a decent in-season pick up if the Pens suffer any long-term injuries.

Aston-Reese made his NHL debut this past February, appearing in 16 games and tallying six points through 11:23 of average ice time. A battler in the corners, the converted winger will be coming off jaw surgery following a vicious blow to the head during the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs, but he's expected to be ready to go for the start of training camp. The talented youngster's scoring touch has been on display in both college and the minors, and he's shown glimpses in limited NHL action. Even if Aston-Reese makes the 23-man roster for Opening Night, the two-way aspect of his contract means he can be freely sent to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for expedited development. Plus, Dominik Simon will give him a run for his money in camp.