{"id":577409,"date":"2026-05-17T20:45:14","date_gmt":"2026-05-17T20:45:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/577409\/"},"modified":"2026-05-17T20:45:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-17T20:45:14","slug":"zach-aston-reese-waived-by-blue-jackets-becomes-new-dad-leads-monsters-playoff-run-with-joy-the-hockey-writers-columbus-blue-jackets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/577409\/","title":{"rendered":"Zach Aston-Reese Waived by Blue Jackets, Becomes New Dad & Leads Monsters Playoff Run With Joy – The Hockey Writers – Columbus Blue Jackets"},"content":{"rendered":"

Zach Aston-Reese found himself in an unfamiliar spot at the end of January while playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets. With both Denton Mateychuk and Miles Wood ready to return from injuries, the team needed to make room on the roster.<\/p>\n

In order to make that room, the Blue Jackets waived both Aston-Reese and Cleveland Monsters captain Brendan Gaunce. After spending parts of 10 seasons in the NHL<\/a>, Aston-Reese had to deal with the reality of an AHL demotion at this late stage in his career.<\/p>\n

While most players in that position would struggle with that situation, Aston-Reese took a different approach. It\u2019s with this approach that he has helped the Monsters during their current Calder Cup playoff run. He has become one of the most valuable members of the team as a result.<\/p>\n

Embracing a New Opportunity<\/p>\n

Aston-Reese didn\u2019t complain. He didn\u2019t get discouraged about what would happen next. Instead, he cheerfully went to the Monsters and immediately showed to everyone why he was a respected NHL veteran.<\/p>\n

Aston-Reese did what was asked of him. He immediately jumped into the lineup three days after being waived by the Blue Jackets. In his first game, he recorded an assist. <\/p>\n

Two games later against the Toronto Marlies, Aston-Reese scored his first AHL goal of the season. He ended February with a six-game point streak that carried over to the beginning of March. <\/p>\n

With the Monsters in the thick of their own playoff race, Aston-Reese showed a tremendous amount of character and became an invaluable resource to a young and developing team. <\/p>\n

Head coach Trent Vogelhuber can\u2019t say enough good things about the impact that Aston-Reese has had on the Monsters since his arrival.<\/p>\n

\u201c(He) hasn\u2019t been in the American League very often in the last decade,\u201d Vogelhuber said. \u201cThat\u2019s a tough blow to come down. (He) right away bought in, just wanted to play, be a part of the team. Bought into the team really quickly. There\u2019s no bitterness and he\u2019s done everything we\u2019ve asked and more. An outstanding teammate. Love having him as a coach on the ice because he does all the little things. You can see why he\u2019s been an NHL player for so long and earned a lot of different coaches\u2019 trust with all those things he does. But he\u2019s a better teammate and person. So a huge boost for our team and happy to have him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"ZachZach Aston Reese has become a big part of the Cleveland Monsters\u2019 playoff run. (Amy Irvin<\/a> \/ The Hockey Writers)<\/p>\n

Aston-Reese has had a major impact in these Calder Cup playoffs. He has two points in his five games but both points were at key moments. <\/p>\n

Aston-Reese\u2019s goal in triple overtime of Game 4 eliminated the Syracuse Crunch from the playoffs. His assist to open the scoring in Game 2 Saturday night against the Marlies helped get the team off and running.<\/p>\n

With their 3-1 win over the Marlies<\/a>, the Monsters tied the North Division Finals at one game each. Game 3 will be in Toronto on Wednesday night.<\/p>\n

The Monsters clearly learned their lesson from Game 1 with the way they were able to hold the Marlies off the scoreboard. Outside of a misplayed puck by Zach Sawchenko, the Monsters played their style of game which helped them find success.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we learned our lesson from the first game,\u201d Aston-Reese said. \u201cI watched up top. I thought we had a really strong 30 minutes and then it was just compounding mistakes. They didn\u2019t have a lot of shots but that\u2019s what kind of team they are. You don\u2019t really need to give them much and they have a lot of guys that can score. (We) talked about that tonight and talked about it going into tonight. Don\u2019t compound mistakes and there\u2019s going to be ebbs and flows. But I think everyone was pretty vocal on the bench. Everyone did their part.\u201d<\/p>\n

First-Time Dad Energy<\/p>\n

Aston-Reese mentioned he was sitting up top for Game 1. That\u2019s because his wife just gave birth to the couple\u2019s first child. Oliver Ace was born on May 8 and expected to be part of the NHL Draft class of 2044.<\/p>\n

Aston-Reese found a new and deeper appreciation of love throughout the process. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been awesome. It\u2019s hard to explain,\u201d Aston-Reese said. \u201cI was talking to a couple guys. A lot of guys in Columbus had kids this year. It\u2019s hard to put into words, but just find a new love when you\u2019re holding that baby. You find a new appreciation for your wife after seeing what they go through in delivery, how strong they are. It was definitely hard to say goodbye and come back. But I love being around the boys as well. It\u2019s a great locker room.\u201d <\/p>\n

Since joining the Monsters, Aston-Reese is having fun and enjoying playing hockey. He\u2019s helped continue to mold the current culture being set by Vogelhuber.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s just a good mix of veterans and young guys and middle of the road guys as well,\u201d Aston-Reese said of the Monsters\u2019 room. \u201cEven the group of guys that aren\u2019t playing that practice at a different time, there\u2019s no cliques. They\u2019re all involved. Everyone gets along. You could go to dinner with anyone on the team. We\u2019ll sit around in the locker room and just hot stove for however long. It\u2019s just everybody likes each other. We all hold each other accountable as well so it\u2019s just a great team.\u201d<\/p>\n

In an era where athletes often vent frustration over demotions, Aston-Reese chose a different path, one defined by grace, gratitude, and genuine joy. Instead of sulking or pointing fingers, the new father rolled up his sleeves, stepped into a leadership role with the Monsters, and has become one of the heartbeats of their playoff run. <\/p>\n

Aston-Reese\u2019s response reminds us that true character isn\u2019t revealed in the spotlight of the NHL, but in how one handles the moments when that spotlight dims. He isn\u2019t just helping his team chase a championship. He\u2019s setting a powerful example of professionalism, resilience, and perspective that resonates far beyond the ice.<\/p>\n

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