Zach Aston-Reese gets claimed by the Columbus Blue Jackets

Tanner Laczynksi, Zach Aston-Reese, and Jonas Rondbjerg were all put on waivers on Sunday, making way for the Vegas Golden Knights roster to be finalized. Two of these players cleared waivers, while the other was claimed by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Which of these forwards is heading to Ohio, A.K.A. the focus of every Gen Alpha kid?

That would be Aston-Reese, who was claimed by the Blue Jackets. The former Pittsburgh Penguins forward only played three games last season in Detroit, delivering one shot on goal. He did score two goals and an assist during the preseason, getting him close to the finish line. The Staten Island native will provide Columbus with some hard-hitting play.

Aston-Reese does have 42 goals and 80 assists in seven seasons with pit stops in Anaheim and Toronto. He can play both wing positions, although he spent two games on the left wing and one on the right in 2024-25. The forward has 821 hits during his career, making him a solid defensive player.

Zach Aston-Reese is a smart and versatile player that can play any of the forward positions.

Of course, seeing the three forwards put on waivers is courtesy of some noteworthy moves. That includes Tanner Pearson getting a one-year deal with the Golden Knights, paving the way for the waiver moves.

The Vegas Golden Knights did claim two players on Monday

While the former Penguin will be skibidi-rizzing his way to Ohio for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Vegas Golden Knights didn't leave without claiming players for themselves. That included Cole Schwindt and Raphael Lavoie, two big bodies under 25 years old.

Schwindt is a former 81st-overall pick from the Florida Panthers who plays center. He's 6'2" and weighs 183 lbs., deploying a right-handed shot. Last season, he played four games for the Calgary Flames, spending much of his team with the AHL's Calgary Wranglers. Here, he scored 14 goals and 22 assists in 66 games.

Lavoie is formerly of Edmonton Oilers fame, playing seven games with the Western Conference champions in 2023-24. He also spent much of his time in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors, scoring 28 goals and 22 assists in 66 games. He is a former second-round pick of the Oilers, standing at 6'4" and weighing 215 lbs.

There is some upside with both waiver claims after Aston-Reese left for Columbus. Both are bigger bodies who can add scoring on the lower lines. Given the team's past injury issues, it'll be interesting to see if they'll get playing time with the Golden Knights this season. But the waiver wire ran hot to start the week, with Vegas getting off to a quick start.