GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — They haven’t played a single shift for the Detroit Red Wings in their professional hockey-playing careers, but Grand Rapids Griffins defenseman Nathan Paetsch and Brennan Evans have done plenty to help the Red Wings in recent years.
Both veteran defenseman have played vitol roles in the development of several blue line prospects for the Red Wings since joining the Griffins for the 2012-2013 season. Brendan Smith, Danny DeKeyser, Xavier Ouellet, and Alexey Marchenko have all learned from Paetsch and Evans and then spent time playing for the Red Wings. Former Griffins Chad Billins and Adam Almquist have also spent time in the NHL after playing with Paetsch and Evans.
