With their 2nd round pick (41st overall), the Stars picked up a talented European defenseman in Patrik Nemeth from Sweden. There was a lot of criticism by fans for passing on several top-ranked blueliners when they made their first round pick of Jack Campbell yesterday, but this pick should help ease some of the minds. Nemeth was ranked 11th overall out of European players, and is a big guy at 6’3″ and 201 lbs as an 18-year old.
Stars Scouts on Patrik Nemeth:
Director of European Scouting Kari Takko: “Nemeth is a good skating defenseman. He is good on the puck and a big guy on the back end.”
European Scout Rickard Oquist: “He’s a good skater for his size. He brings leadership to his club. Nemeth brings a physical edge and is a solid defensive player.”
Director of Scouting and Player Development Les Jackson: “He’s a good two-way guy. His strength is without the puck; He’s got a good first pass and he defends the blue line well.”
And, the International Scouting Service has this to say about Nemeth:
- One of, if not the most improved player in Sweden between this year and last! Nemeth has really gained a level of comfort in his big body and has learned how to use it to his advantage. Punishing, Nemeth can dish out contact and receive it just as well and very rarely gives up his position. He can manhandle most players to the outside and can be a very intimidating player around his own crease while managing to stay within the rules. Nemeth makes good decisions on both sides of the puck even when under heavy pressure. He is consistent, disciplined and reliable and can lead the rush or hang back and support if needed.
His Draft Prospect card is here.
