AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Nastasiuk and Esposito Head to Toledo

Published on January 14, 2018 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Detroit Red Wings on Friday reassigned forward Zach Nastasiuk from the Grand Rapids Griffins to the ECHL's Toledo Walleye while the Griffins assigned rookie forward Luke Esposito to the Walleye.

Nastasiuk, 22, has appeared in five games with the Griffins and scored one goal. Prior to being reassigned to Grand Rapids on Dec. 8, the 6-foot-2, 202-pound winger placed fifth on the division-leading Walleye in scoring with 12 points (6-6 - 12) in 20 games.

Detroit's second choice, 48th overall, in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Nastasiuk has played in 50 career games with the Griffins since joining the team at the end of the 2013-14 season, compiling 10 points (4-6 - 10) and four penalty minutes. He's also added an assist in 11 Calder Cup Playoff tilts.

Playing in 92 career ECHL contests since 2015 with Toledo, Nastasiuk has 66 points (29-37 - 66) and a plus-23 rating.

Esposito, 24, has split his first year as a professional between Grand Rapids and Toledo. Skating in 13 games with the Griffins, the 5-foot-10, 183-pound forward has two assists and six PIM. He's produced four points (1-3 - 4) in 10 games with the Walleye and scored his first pro goal with Toledo on Dec. 17 versus Kalamazoo.

Prior to turning pro, Esposito played four seasons at Harvard (ECAC), where he amassed 89 points (31-58 - 89) in 131 games with the Crimson from 2013-17. He set career highs in goals (16), assists (20) and points (36) as a senior in 2016-17 and helped Harvard advance to the Frozen Four for the first time since 1994.

Esposito was named the BCHL Rookie of the Year in 2012-13 after leading the league in assists and tying for third in points (17-54 - 71) in 55 games with the Chilliwack Chiefs.

The Walleye play three consecutive home games this weekend, beginning tonight against Fort Wayne at 7:15 p.m.

The Griffins, who have won seven of their last eight games, host the Cleveland Monsters tonight and tomorrow. Both games begin at 7 p.m.

Single-game tickets are currently on sale. Fans can secure their full-season, select-season or group ticket packages by calling (616) 774-4585 ext. 2 or visit griffinshockey.com for more information.

© 2018 Grand Rapids Griffins. All rights reserved.

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American Hockey League Stories from January 14, 2018


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