College Free Agents Sign Deals With Penguins and Stars – Canucks, Oilers, Sabers Miss Out
Zach Aston-Reese signs with the Pittsburgh Penguins
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