Reports today that the Rangers will look to fill their veteran presence on the blueline with pending UFA Patrik Nemeth who split last year between the Detroit Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche. The 6-3 228 pound native of Sweden is anticipated to sign for $2.5M AAV though term is not yet known.
The 29 year old Nemeth was drafted in 2010 by the Dallas Stars in the 2nd round, and played four seasons with the club until he was claimed off waivers at the beginning of the 2017-18 season by the Colorado Avalanche. He set career marks in that year, with 3 goals, 12 assists and a +27 plus/minus.
Following the 2018-19 season with the Avs, he became a UFA and signed a two-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings for $3M AAV. This past April he was traded back to the Avalanche for a 4th round pick, and finished the season playing on the third pair.
A guy who can play with some physicality albeit inconsistently, Nemeth is seen as a veteran presence on the third pairing of a very young Rangers defense. There are some gaps to his game, including perhaps his ability to move the puck under pressure, and he’s probably a border line NHL defender on a Cup contending team.
Given his contract history, it would appear that he’s in line for a 2-3 year deal, with the hope that a player like Matthew Robertson can perhaps usurp him in a year or two once he gets some pro experience.
Being a Swede, there’s also the potential likelihood of a pairing with fellow Swede and Rangers prospective blueliner, Nils Lundkvist. The 20 year old Lundkvist signed his ELC back in June and looks to be a potential to earn a role out of training camp.
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