New York Rangers player preview: D Patrik Nemeth

Out of all the players the New York Rangers signed on the first day of free agency, it is clear that Patrik Nemeth is the most notable. That alone is made apparent by the three-year, $7.5 million contract they sent his way. It will have an Average Annual Value (AAV) of $2.5 million. That isn’t necessarily cheap, but should be worth it based on his previous play.

Nemeth started last season with the Detroit Red Wings, but was then traded to the Colorado Avalanche right before the trade deadline. He previously played two seasons with the Avalanche beforehand and was solid for them, so it was not too surprising he found his way back there. In 52 games between the two teams, he scored three goals and recorded 10 points.

Nemeth is known as being a defensive defenseman, so he will never wow you with points. However, he is very dependable and the Rangers will greatly appreciate that. Not every player on the roster needs to be flashy, and that is especially the case when it comes to defensemen.

Over his eight-year NHL career, he has played a total of 366 games. In them, he has scored eight goals and recorded 58 points. Again, offense is not his specialty, but his stable defensive play is what makes him very valuable.

It also does not hurt that he comes with size, too. He stands at 6’3″ and weighs 228 pounds, which is clearly not small. Thus, he certainly is an imposing figure on the ice, even if physicality may not be primarily what he is known for. Yet, he still does not shy away from hits and will throw the body himself. This hit he delivered from the 2018-19 season as a member of the Avalanche is a clear example of that.

It is never a bad thing having another big guy on the blueline. The Rangers have actually added two, as they of course signed depth defenseman Jarred Tinordi this off-season, too.

Where should Nemeth fit in the Rangers’ lineup?

Over the course of his career, Nemeth has worked quite well as a bottom-pair defenseman. When looking at the left side of the Rangers’ defensive group, it is safe to say that he will continue that trend. K’Andre Miller and Ryan Lindgren are cementing themselves as top-four defensemen and based on their play last season, warrant more ice time. That is not a knock on Nemeth in the slightest, as he should still be very useful in his role.

In fact, Nemeth on the bottom-pair could be one of the best things possible for this team. Prospect defenseman Nils Lundkvist seems ready for an NHL job next season and is more of an offensive defenseman. He had his best season to date this past year in the SHL with Luleå HF, as he scored an impressive 14 goals and had 32 points in 52 games.

Given the fact that Nemeth is a veteran and emphasizes defense first, these two could be a very strong match on the third-pair. It also does not hurt that they are both from Sweden, too.

He will mentor the other young defensemen, too.

The Rangers have one of the youngest bluelines in all of hockey, too. Besides the likely addition of Lundkvist to it, Miller, Lindgren and reigning Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox are all under 24-years-old. Although it is exciting to have very promising young players, which the Rangers surely do, a team should always have veterans to help guide them. Nemeth will be able to do that.

Yet, what is also noteworthy about Nemeth is that he is still 29-years-old, so he is not due for any serious regression for quite some time. Given the fact that he was signed to a only three-year deal, it does not possess much risk at all for the Rangers.

Besides the Rangers’ addressing their need for toughness this summer, they have added overall experience, too. That is never a bad thing for a team who seems to be right on the cusp of returning to the postseason. In fact, this could very well help them take that next step.

At the end of the day, Nemeth may not be a superstar, but Ranger fans should be excited to have him. He could end up being one of those hidden gem signings we all look back on later down the road.