Zach Aston-Reese Waived by Blue Jackets, Becomes New Dad & Leads Monsters Playoff Run With Joy

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.

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, Aston-Reese had to deal with the reality of an AHL demotion at this late stage in his career.

While most players in that position would struggle with that situation, Aston-Reese took a different approach. It’s 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.

Embracing a New Opportunity

Aston-Reese didn’t complain. He didn’t 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.

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.

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.

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.

Head coach Trent Vogelhuber can’t say enough good things about the impact that Aston-Reese has had on the Monsters since his arrival.

“(He) hasn’t been in the American League very often in the last decade,” Vogelhuber said. “That’s 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’s no bitterness and he’s done everything we’ve 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’s been an NHL player for so long and earned a lot of different coaches’ trust with all those things he does. But he’s a better teammate and person. So a huge boost for our team and happy to have him.”

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.

Aston-Reese’s 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.

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

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.

“I think we learned our lesson from the first game,” Aston-Reese said. “I watched up top. I thought we had a really strong 30 minutes and then it was just compounding mistakes. They didn’t have a lot of shots but that’s what kind of team they are. You don’t 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’t compound mistakes and there’s going to be ebbs and flows. But I think everyone was pretty vocal on the bench. Everyone did their part.”

First-Time Dad Energy

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

Aston-Reese found a new and deeper appreciation of love throughout the process.

“It’s been awesome. It’s hard to explain,” Aston-Reese said. “I was talking to a couple guys. A lot of guys in Columbus had kids this year. It’s hard to put into words, but just find a new love when you’re 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’s a great locker room.”

Since joining the Monsters, Aston-Reese is having fun and enjoying playing hockey. He’s helped continue to mold the current culture being set by Vogelhuber.

“I think it’s just a good mix of veterans and young guys and middle of the road guys as well,” Aston-Reese said of the Monsters’ room. “Even the group of guys that aren’t playing that practice at a different time, there’s no cliques. They’re all involved. Everyone gets along. You could go to dinner with anyone on the team. We’ll sit around in the locker room and just hot stove for however long. It’s just everybody likes each other. We all hold each other accountable as well so it’s just a great team.”

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.

Aston-Reese’s response reminds us that true character isn’t revealed in the spotlight of the NHL, but in how one handles the moments when that spotlight dims. He isn’t just helping his team chase a championship. He’s setting a powerful example of professionalism, resilience, and perspective that resonates far beyond the ice.