I want to book an aeroplan reward last minute (within a week of departure say) from west coast to asia. Am i correct in thinking seats are (now) released either months in advance, or last minute within days of departure? If so, is there a way to make the ANA tool show award space in the next few days?

Also, is there a particular day of the week when airlines release last minute reward space? Any other tricks to get last minute space?

Thanks