Greg Pateryn, a defenseman known for his physical style of play, embarked on his professional hockey career after being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fifth round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. However, it was with the Montreal Canadiens that he began his NHL journey. Pateryn's path to the NHL included a collegiate career at the University of Michigan, where he honed his skills and developed a reputation as a reliable defensive presence.
Pateryn made his NHL debut with the Canadiens during the 2012-2013 season. Over the next few years, he split his time between the Canadiens and their AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs, working to establish himself as a regular on the Canadiens' blue line. His tenure with Montreal saw him play a role in the team's defensive unit, often being called upon to provide a physical edge and steady defensive play.
In 2017, Pateryn was traded to the Dallas Stars, where he continued to be a dependable presence on the back end. His time in Dallas allowed him to further showcase his abilities as a stay-at-home defenseman, contributing to the team's defensive efforts with his shot-blocking and penalty-killing skills. Pateryn's performance with the Stars earned him a three-year contract with the Minnesota Wild in 2018.
During his stint with the Wild, Pateryn faced challenges, including injuries that limited his playing time. Despite these setbacks, he remained a valued member of the team's defensive corps when healthy, bringing experience and a physical dimension to the lineup. His role often involved matching up against opposing teams' top lines and providing leadership on and off the ice.
In 2021, Pateryn was involved in a trade to the Colorado Avalanche, where he continued to contribute as a depth defenseman. His time with the Avalanche was marked by his steady presence and ability to step into the lineup when needed, providing the team with veteran experience during their playoff push.
Later in 2021, Pateryn was traded to the San Jose Sharks, where he played a brief stint before being moved to the Anaheim Ducks. His journey through multiple teams highlighted his role as a reliable depth option for NHL clubs seeking to bolster their defensive units with experienced players.
Throughout his career, Pateryn was recognized for his defensive reliability and physical play. While he may not have been a high-scoring defenseman, his contributions were valued by the teams he played for, particularly in roles that required defensive responsibility and physicality. His career in the NHL spanned nearly a decade, during which he played for several teams and brought a consistent work ethic and defensive mindset to each organization.
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