Nathan Paetsch played 258 games for Rochester. ©2020, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Ex-Sabres, Amerks defenseman Nathan Paetsch retires after 17 seasons

Former Buffalo Sabres defenseman Nathan Paetsch, who also spent parts of seven seasons with the Rochester Americans over three stints, has retired, the AHL club announced today.

The popular Paetsch, 37, played 870 games over 17 pro seasons, including 157 contests with the Sabres. He compiled 23 goals and 100 points in 258 career games with the Amerks.

Paetsch, who would sometimes moonlight as a forward, embraced a new role when he returned to the Amerks three years ago. He played sparingly – just 21 appearances over the last two seasons – but enjoyed mentoring Sabres prospects.

“I was extremely fortunate to play the game for as long as I have and to create so many lasting friendships with teammates, coaches, front office staff and support staff,” Paetsch said in a statement. “I couldn’t be happier to have started and finished my career with the Rochester Americans. The city and organization not only gave me a place to play, but more importantly, a home and a family. It was extremely special to begin my career as a teammate of Chris Taylor and end it with him as my coach.”

Paetsch and his wife, Mira, and two children make their home in Spencerport. He won the McCulloch Trophy five times for his commitment to the Rochester community.

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