Paetsch hasn't seen the NHL since 2009-10, but has been a fixture for the Grand Rapids Griffins the past two years. He has 31 points in each of the last two AHL seasons and that is where he should start 2014-15 as well. As a 31-year-old who hasn't been called up in five years, it is unlikely that he will ever see significant NHL time again.
Paetsch is a versatile rearguard who can also slot into the lineup as a winger. As a result, he could sneak his way into the lineup when injuries strike Vancouver players of higher ranks. Paetsch just might be the perfect example of a player who is very important to a team's actual club, but not so much in the fantasy hockey world where points are the most coveted category for success.
This year Paetsch will most likely resume his role as the seventh defenseman on the Sabres' roster despite being limited to just 23 games and 6 points in 2008-09, due in part to injury. Although he doesn't provide any profound amount of talent, Paetsch has the advantage of being a versatile player, who has the capability of playing wing if need be.
Paetsch will likely open 2008-09 as Buffalo's seventh defenseman. He has been stuck in a part-time role for the last two seasons and should be in a similar position this season. He's a decent role player but not a significant fantasy guy.
Paetsch showed strong two-way potential last year, especially on the power play, where he recorded nine of his 24 points. He enters training camp as the Sabres' seventh defenseman and can also play on the wing. He could make Buffalo's roster as a utilityman. If an injury or a benching grants Paetsch a full-time role, he's a nice sleeper.
Paetsch will battle with Jeff Jillson for Buffalo's seventh defenseman position to begin 2006-07. Paetsch had an assist in his only game with the Sabres last season and has more upside than Jillson, so he may have the advantage heading in. Paetsch still will not be much of a fantasy factor even if he makes the team, though he's shown some scoring in the minors and could be one to watch a couple years down the road.
Paetsch is a scoring defenseman but as a seventh-round pick in 2003 he's still a bit of a longshot, especially in an organization with a few good young defenders. We'll see if Paetsch can keep up the scoring at the next level, in Rochester of the AHL.
Paetsch is a scoring defenseman but as a seventh-round pick in 2003 he's still a bit of a longshot, especially in an organization with a few good young defenders. We'll see if Paetsch can keep up the scoring at the next level, in Rochester of the AHL.
