Amerks, Paetsch agree to terms

Photo: Mark Newman

The Rochester Americans announced today that the team has signed defenseman Nathan Paetsch to a one-year American Hockey League contract.

Paetsch returns for his third stint with the Amerks in 2017-18 after spending the last five seasons with the Grand Rapids Griffins. During his time in Grand Rapids, Paetsch helped the Griffins to five straight playoff appearances and two Calder Cup championships, serving as captain during their 2017 title run. He notched one goal and 17 assists for 18 points in 73 regular-season games last season and added

while also serving as team captain during the 2016-17 campaign. Last season, he recorded 18 points (1+17) in 73 regular-season games for the Griffins before adding two goals and five assists in 19 postseason contests.

A native of LeRoy, Sask., the 34-year-old Paetsch appeared in 215 games over two previous stints with Rochester (2003-06, 2010-11). In 608 career regular-season AHL games with Rochester, Grand Rapids and Syracuse, Paetsch has tallied 50 goals and 195 assists for 245 points. He has also skated in 103 Calder Cup Playoff games, ranking 17th all-time.

A seventh-round draft pick by Buffalo in 2003, Paetsch has seven goals and 35 assists for 42 points in 167 career NHL games with the Sabres and the Columbus Blue Jackets.