Pens win Aston-Reese sweepstakes, sign NCAA leading scorer to 2-year deal

Chalk up another win for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The defending champs announced the signing of college free agent Zach Aston-Reese to a two-year, entry-level contract Tuesday.

The 22-year-old wrapped up his fourth and final year at Northeastern in style, leading the NCAA in scoring with 31 goals and 32 assists in 38 games. He leaves the collegiate ranks as a better than point-per-game player.

Aston-Reese will spend the rest of this season in the AHL with the baby Pens, on an amateur tryout, and his contract will begin next season.

The Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, and Ottawa Senators were reported to have interest in the forward, but the Pens came out on top.