Summary
The Columbus Blue Jackets have officially moved forwards Zach Aston-Reese and Luca Del Bel Belluz to their minor league team, the Cleveland Monsters. Although the Blue Jackets will not be playing in the NHL postseason this year, the Monsters are preparing for a playoff run in the American Hockey League (AHL). This move allows both players to continue playing competitive hockey while helping the Cleveland roster during their quest for a championship.
Main Impact
The decision to send these two players down serves two different purposes for the organization. For the veteran Zach Aston-Reese, it provides him with a chance to showcase his skills in the playoffs before he becomes a free agent this summer. For the young prospect Luca Del Bel Belluz, it is an opportunity to lead a team and gain more experience in high-pressure games. The Cleveland Monsters gain a significant boost in talent as they head into the most important part of their season.
Key Details
What Happened
The Blue Jackets announced the roster move on April 16, 2026. Both players were "loaned" to the AHL, which is a common move for teams that are out of the NHL playoff race. This allows players who are eligible to play in the minors to help the affiliate team. Aston-Reese had recently been called up to the NHL to cover for injuries, but he only appeared in one game during his most recent seven-game stint with the big club.
Important Numbers and Facts
Zach Aston-Reese finished his NHL season with one goal and four assists in 27 games. He averaged less than 10 minutes of ice time per game and recorded 78 hits. In the AHL this year, he has been more productive, scoring seven goals and 14 points in 25 games. Last season was much better for him in Columbus, where he played 79 games and set career highs in assists and shots.
Luca Del Bel Belluz has been a standout performer in the minor leagues. The 22-year-old center has scored 22 goals and 35 assists for a total of 57 points in 53 AHL games this season. This performance earned him a spot in the AHL All-Star game. At the NHL level this year, he appeared in 14 games and recorded one assist while playing about nine minutes per night.
Background and Context
The Blue Jackets have gone through many changes over the last year. Last summer, the team brought in several new players, including Charlie Coyle, Isac Lundeström, and Miles Wood. These additions made it harder for returning players like Aston-Reese to keep a steady spot in the lineup. While Aston-Reese was a regular player for the team a year ago, he found himself being a healthy scratch or playing in the minors for much of this season.
The situation is different for Del Bel Belluz. He was a second-round draft pick in 2022 and is seen as a big part of the team's future. The organization wants him to get as much playing time as possible. Since the NHL season is ending for Columbus, sending him to Cleveland ensures he keeps developing his game in a winning environment.
Public or Industry Reaction
Hockey analysts have mixed views on these players. Many see Aston-Reese as a reliable defensive forward who simply got caught in a numbers game in Columbus. His strong defensive numbers from previous years suggest he can still help a team, but he may need to find a new home this summer to get a full-time NHL job again.
Regarding Del Bel Belluz, experts like Scott Wheeler from The Athletic have noted his strong offensive growth. He is currently ranked as the seventh-best prospect in the Blue Jackets' system. While he does many things well, some scouts wonder where he will fit in the long term because Columbus has many other talented young centers competing for the same spots.
What This Means Going Forward
For Zach Aston-Reese, this move likely signals the end of his time with the Blue Jackets. As an unrestricted free agent, he will be free to sign with any team this July. Unless Columbus wants him back specifically for a minor-league leadership role, he will probably look for an NHL contract elsewhere. His experience in the upcoming AHL playoffs will be a final chance to prove he belongs on an NHL roster next season.
For Luca Del Bel Belluz, the focus is on becoming a full-time NHL player by next fall. His high scoring rate in the AHL shows he is almost ready for the next step. A strong playoff performance in Cleveland could give him the momentum he needs to win a permanent job with the Blue Jackets during training camp later this year.
Final Take
This roster move is a smart way for Columbus to manage its talent at the end of a difficult season. By sending these players to Cleveland, the organization is supporting its minor league affiliate while giving its players a chance to compete for a trophy. Whether it is a final goodbye for a veteran or a stepping stone for a rookie, the AHL playoffs will be a critical time for both men.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were these players sent to the AHL if the NHL season is ending?
Since the Columbus Blue Jackets did not make the NHL playoffs, they sent these players to the Cleveland Monsters so they could help that team in the AHL playoffs. This keeps the players active and helps the minor league team win.
Will Zach Aston-Reese stay with the Blue Jackets next year?
It is unlikely. He is set to become a free agent this summer. After spending much of this season in the minors or as a backup, he will likely look for a fresh start with a new team in July.
How good is Luca Del Bel Belluz?
He is considered one of the top prospects for the Blue Jackets. He is currently scoring at a rate of more than one point per game in the AHL and was named an All-Star this season. He is expected to compete for a full-time NHL spot next year.
