The Philadelphia Flyers have made a few depth signings with free agency opening on July 1.
The latest is forward Zach Aston-Reese, who is reportedly signing a two-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Zach Aston-Reese. 2 years. Philadelphia Flyers.
— Dan Milstein (@HockeyAgent1) July 1, 2026
Aston-Reese has agreed to terms on a 2-year (yr. 1 – $850k one way. yr. 2 $700/$900k) NHL contract with the Flyers. The orange and black just got another Gold Star ⭐️ #LetsGoFlyers #WeAreGoldStar! pic.twitter.com/8OW3hMcB84
According to agent Dan Milstein, who also represents Dan Vladar and new addition Danila Klimovich, the first year of the pact is a one-way deal, with the second year offering a chance for Aston-Reese to make a bit more at the NHL level.
Aston-Reese will make $850,000 whether he’s with the Flyers in the NHL or with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the AHL for the 2026-27 season, and then $700,000 in the AHL or $900,000 in the NHL for the 2027-28 campaign.
The veteran forward has been around the Metropolitan Division for most of his career. He started with the Pittsburgh Penguins, which is where most Flyers fans probably remember him, spending five years across the state before shorter spots in Anaheim, Toronto, and Detroit. He’s spent the last two seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Aston-Reese played exactly 27 games for the Blue Jackets and for the Cleveland Monsters in the AHL last season. He had five points in the NHL and 16 points in the minors.
The veteran forward turns 32 next month, so he is what he is at this point in his career. He has the ability to play a bottom-six role in the NHL if needed, but will likely be fighting for a roster spot along with Carl Grundstrom, Klimovich, and a few of the younger prospects looking to cement their spot on the Flyers.
Aston-Reese joins Noel Acciari and Klimovich as the only three additions made by the Flyers in the first few hours of free agency. While Acciari will fill in on the fourth line, the latter two will more than likely be destined for Lehigh Valley this season.
All in all, Danny Briere seems to be focused on solidifying the organization’s forward depth here in free agency. Of course, he also took care of some business by signing Dan Vladar and Tyson Foerster to long-term extensions.
The Flyers are reportedly still in the mix for Claude Giroux, and this signing should do nothing to change that. As a matter of fact, none of the contracts signed today should really impact the Flyers’ pursuit of their former captain.
