"Patrik is a big, physical defenseman who is an important piece of our D-corps," said Avalanche Executive Vice President / General Manager Joe Sakic. "He plays a significant role on our penalty kill, he blocks shots, and we're happy to have him back this season."
Nemeth was claimed on waivers from the Dallas Stars on Oct. 3 and tallied an assist in his Avalanche debut on Oct. 5 at the New York Rangers. The 6-foot-3, 219-pound rearguard recorded a career-high 11 blocked shots on Dec. 23 at Arizona, the second-most ever by an Avalanche player in a single game (12, Brett Clark, Nov. 6, 2009 vs. Chicago). He notched his first NHL goal on Nov. 2, 2017 vs. Carolina.
A second-round draft selection (41st overall) of the Stars in the 2010 NHL Draft, Nemeth has accumulated 29 points (3g, 26a) in 176 career NHL games with Dallas and Colorado. He spent the first four seasons of his North American professional career in Dallas' organization, recording 28 points (5g, 23a) and a +30 plus/minus rating in 104 career AHL contests with the Texas Stars. The blueliner added six points (1g, 5a) in 21 total postseason outings and helped Texas win the 2014 Calder Cup as AHL champions.
Prior to professional hockey in North America, Nemeth played four seasons in the Swedish Hockey League, all for AIK. He spent two full campaigns with AIK in Sweden's top league, notching 10 points (1g, 9a) in 84 games from 2010-12.
Internationally, Nemeth represented his country at the 2011 and 2012 IIHF World Junior Championships, combining for six points (0g, 6a) in 12 contests and helping Sweden earn a gold medal at the 2012 tournament, snapping a 31-year drought for the country.
