Patrik Nemeth

Nemeth never really clicked during his four years with the Stars, dressing for 40 or fewer games and failing to notch a goal or reach double-digit points over that span. A fresh start in Colorado and newfound ice time seemed to do the trick for the 26-year-old blueliner, however, as he posted a career-high 15 points and a monstrous plus-27 rating during his first season in Denver. Nemeth re-upped with the Avalanche this offseason on a one-year contract and underwent shoulder surgery, but there's no indication that he's expected to miss regular-season action as a result of the procedure. Nemeth's absence from the power play caps his upside from an offensive perspective, but his prowess on the defensive end, combined with the 185 blocked shots he posted a season ago, could provide value in some formats.

A rugged, stay-at-home defenseman, Nemeth hasn't been able to climb out of the No. 7 spot on the depth chart in four years, bouncing between the lineup, the press box and the AHL and managing only 14 points (all assists) in 108 games with the Stars. Now 25 years old, a wave of younger defenseman emerging in the system -- as well as the offseason addition of Marc Methot -- don't make Nemeth’s job prospects any brighter, and he may need a change of scenery to get a real shot at a regular role in the NHL.

A big, physical blueliner who’s still just 24 years old, Nemeth enters this year in search of his first full NHL season on the ice after he spent more than half of last season as a healthy scratch or on an AHL conditioning stint. Perhaps all that time spent watching from the press box taught the Swede valuable lessons that he’ll use to live up to his billing as a 2010 second-round pick, but if his results in the minors are any indicator, we shouldn’t expect much offensive production. Fantasy owners in leagues that count PIM, hits and blocked shots may find a home for Nemeth, but otherwise, there’s not much intrigue here.

The 22-year-old Swedish defenseman is the dark horse to grab a roster spot on the blue line out of camp. Nemeth was given eight games, including his NHL debut, late last season. He didn't provide any offense in that run, but that's not the kind of game he plays. Nemth's a big, physical, stay-at-home defenseman who could make a serious impact in the NHL. His fantasy value is limited by the style of play he favors and the limited minutes he'll be seeing if he makes the team. Avoid for now, but he may be fun to watch. There's nothing like seeing a fancy-pants forward end up on the seat of his pants at the hand of a big blueliner.

Nemeth is expected to make his North American debut this season after spending the past two years in the Swedish Elite League following his 41st overall selection back in 2010. He contributes little on the offensive end, but projects as a possible top-pair, shutdown type in the NHL.

Nemeth is expected to continue playing in Europe for the 2011-12 season. He has good size (6'3", 212 pounds) so his eventual transition to the North American game should go smoother than most.

Nemeth will spend the next several years in European juniors after being selected in the second round of the 2010 draft.