Confirmed with Link: Avs claim Patrik Nemeth, D from Dallas Stars

[klozge]

I think Nemeth has had his ups and downs this year but most has been good for what he's been asked to do. I also don't believe he should be playing middle-pairing minutes but as Henchman said above, a 2 year deal at $1.5M provides depth at the position and I'd be fine with that.

I don't put too much stock in +/- but Nemeth is a team best +27 this season and the next closest Av is Landeskog at +12. Nemeth has been a good addition to this team.

He's been playing some bad hockey lately, though. Maybe he's nervous because of the importance of the games but he better gets his shit together again soon.

 

[hockeyismysport]

I find it fascinating with people actually believing they know more hockey than Bednar and Sakic, also I feel like they are closing their eyes from fact and stats, refusing to see how much the PK is improved since Nemeth joining the team? Refusing to see the fact that a defensive stay at home defenseman like Nemeth is getting tons of really difficult, dirty minutes facing the best offensive players out there, facing lots of last man standing type of situations.

Many times I find it a bit funny when experts in North America are downgrading and underestimating European players because they don't seem to understand and know their full capacity and talent (which we already have seen and witnessed in Europe), I have seen this many times and it will happen again.

Can't help to smile reading aticles like this one, I wonder if it's written by somebody from this forum. ;-) He is making a fool of himself and will most likely be eating crows. Complaining about a stay at home defenseman and pk specialist giving up more scoring chances than others, ok? Refusing to see the fact that no other player except EJ in the Avs have the same stay at home type of defensive mindset and difficult minutes as him? (EJ is obviously great defensively in all areas but it would be stupid comparing one of the better allround d-men in the world with Nemeth, not even I would do that).
Analyzing the defensive depth chart for the Colorado Avalanche

"Not Long for the Organization

As far as Patrik Nemeth goes, the coaching staff seems to like him, so there’s a chance the team re-signs him this summer - though they most definitely shouldn’t. Nemeth is the typical big, slow defenseman that old-school hockey people love, but that looks terrible when you analyze his play beyond the eye-test. No regular in the Avs lineup gives up more scoring chances against than Nemeth and each of his partners see a boost in their defensive metrics when they are separated from him.
Nemeth is a poor man's Duncan Siemens, and that’s a scary thought."

My own comment: Only a fool would let Nemeth go after this season (unless getting a very good return) and luckily the Avs management are on the right track again, I'm not concerned.

 

[Perratrooper]

He's been playing some bad hockey lately, though. Maybe he's nervous because of the importance of the games but he better gets his **** together again soon.

Saved a goal on the PK last game

 

[klozge]

Saved a goal on the PK last game

That's awesome. He had a few other good moments as well. Unfortunately, he had far more weak moments both on the PK and 5 on 5.

 

[Iceberg]

Nemeth is an unsung hero, the guy was picked off waivers days before the season started, and has been a major part of our D, playing top 4 minutes and on the top PK unity.

Imagine how this season would've gone without him, with Barberio and Lindholm taking his minutes?

Yet, people are complaining about him every game.

 

[expatriatedtexan]

He was an extraordinary waiver claim. Does he have faults? Sure. But he was a free pickup and has provided a hell of a lot of positives even beyond the solid PK. Imagine if the AVs hadn't picked him up and chose to run with Mironov all season instead? Think we'd still be talking playoffs today?

 

[Patagonia]

That's awesome. He had a few other good moments as well. Unfortunately, he had far more weak moments both on the PK and 5 on 5.

Nemeth +/- is twice as high as the next closest player. He averages 18+ Mins and plays tough situations PK and late in the game for a waiver pick. Unless a trade occurs, he’s likely earned an extension for next season.

 

[klozge]

Nemeth +/- is twice as high as the next closest player. He averages 18+ Mins and plays tough situations PK and late in the game for a waiver pick. Unless a trade occurs, he’s likely earned an extension for next season.

Nevertheless he needs to play better again. Every game is important now and he's playing the worst hockey I've seen of him all season.

 

[McMetal]

He's been playing some bad hockey lately, though. Maybe he's nervous because of the importance of the games but he better gets his **** together again soon.

This. He was very good for a while earlier in the year, but something mentally seems to have snapped in him and he is constantly making bad reads and losing his man in the D zone (although he remains quite good at dealing with the rush). Perhaps it's a coaching thing, but something needs to change if he's going to continue to play this many minutes.

 

[Bubba Thudd]

Should've traded him for a couple of 1sts at the deadline

 

[McMetal]

Should've traded him for a couple of 1sts at the deadline

Don't be greedy. Buffalo's unprotected 1st would be just fine.

 

[Pokecheque]

Yes, yes, we know he's a waiver-wire pickup, doesn't mean he should be shielded from rightful criticism for poor play with the puck and bad decisions in his own zone. But I'll agree it should be taken in context. He's a third pairing guy playing top-four minutes, it stands to reason he will make some mistakes.

Also, there's a fine line between criticism of a player and criticism of how the coach deploys him. For instance, I don't mind Bednar using him for PK duty (though I've pointed out elsewhere I think there are better options), but I don't like him being used extensively as a "closer." One huge reason this team stinks of late in 6-on-5 situations is because Nemeth is basically being driven into the ground in an attempt to hang onto 1-goal leads.

 

[Patagonia]

Yes, yes, we know he's a waiver-wire pickup, doesn't mean he should be shielded from rightful criticism for poor play with the puck and bad decisions in his own zone. But I'll agree it should be taken in context. He's a third pairing guy playing top-four minutes, it stands to reason he will make some mistakes.

Also, there's a fine line between criticism of a player and criticism of how the coach deploys him. For instance, I don't mind Bednar using him for PK duty (though I've pointed out elsewhere I think there are better options), but I don't like him being used extensively as a "closer." One huge reason this team stinks of late in 6-on-5 situations is because Nemeth is basically being driven into the ground in an attempt to hang onto 1-goal leads.

Nemeth is already playing well beyond his expected capabilities. Even with his recent struggles, the AVs still don't have better options for LHD.

Zadorov - playing heavy minutes and protecting Barrie miscues
Girard - too small and playing RHD due to injuries
Siemens - still raw and 3rd pairing
Warsofsky - terrible
Barberio - injured & UFA
Lindholm - injured
Graves - AHL Reclamation Prospect

Unless there are better options which there are none, hope for the best and expect the worst. Nemeth will continue to be a permanent LHD fixture for the rest of the season and possibly playoffs.

 

[Pierce Hawthorne]

Nemeth is an unsung hero, the guy was picked off waivers days before the season started, and has been a major part of our D, playing top 4 minutes and on the top PK unity.

Imagine how this season would've gone without him, with Barberio and Lindholm taking his minutes?

Yet, people are complaining about him every game.

Just because we complain about him doesn't mean he's not doing anything good on the ice.


People complain about Landy and Barrie all the time. It doesn't mean they dont do great things as well.



It's almost as if some people on this board have no idea what constructive criticism is.

 

[Foppa2118]

Nemeth has slowly gotten back on track the last couple weeks, with a few hiccup moments along the way.

I think early season Nemeth was playing above his capabilities. The last month or two he's been below his capabilities though because he's let himself get overwhelmed. He'd make mistakes, overcompensate for them, or try to do too much to make up for them, and make things worse.

He's capable of providing some stability to the bottom four, and they need him to perform well in that role. Hopefully EJ can get back soon and play a decent enough level to allow Nemeth and Z to slot back into smaller roles.

 

[CobraAcesS]

Nemeth has slowly gotten back on track the last couple weeks, with a few hiccup moments along the way.

I think early season Nemeth was playing above his capabilities. The last month or two he's been below his capabilities though because he's let himself get overwhelmed. He'd make mistakes, overcompensate for them, or try to do too much to make up for them, and make things worse.

He's capable of providing some stability to the bottom four, and they need him to perform well in that role. Hopefully EJ can get back soon and play a decent enough level to allow Nemeth and Z to slot back into smaller roles.

I do think Z's life isn't getting much if any easier, unless you count playing with EJ instead of Barrie lol. Hes our #1 on the left side, and his PK time probably isn't going anywhere. If anything he might be proving he can actually play full time with EJ when needed. That's fine though because getting more minutes seems to help keep him engaged.

 

[expatriatedtexan]

Yes, yes, we know he's a waiver-wire pickup, doesn't mean he should be shielded from rightful criticism for poor play with the puck and bad decisions in his own zone. But I'll agree it should be taken in context. He's a third pairing guy playing top-four minutes, it stands to reason he will make some mistakes.

Also, there's a fine line between criticism of a player and criticism of how the coach deploys him. For instance, I don't mind Bednar using him for PK duty (though I've pointed out elsewhere I think there are better options), but I don't like him being used extensively as a "closer." One huge reason this team stinks of late in 6-on-5 situations is because Nemeth is basically being driven into the ground in an attempt to hang onto 1-goal leads.

If you acknowledge the fact that he was a wire pickup why in the world are you trying to put him down for not being an ideal top-4 d-man?

You can say there is a fine line between criticism of a player and a coach all you want...the fact is you are shitting on a waiver pickup who is playing top-4 d for us admirably. I personally think you are out of line. Feel free to disagree...but I just had to say it. We will never see eye-to-eye on this. Nemeth is not my ideal 3-4 dman...he's my ideal 5-6...and he was picked up to provide depth. He's done that in spades. The fact that he lasted so long providing solid minutes in a top 4 role is outstanding...but for some reason you feel a need to bash him over it. I simply don't understand? What more did you want from a waiver pickup?

 

[Pokecheque]

If you acknowledge the fact that he was a wire pickup why in the world are you trying to put him down for not being an ideal top-4 d-man?

You can say there is a fine line between criticism of a player and a coach all you want...the fact is you are ****ting on a waiver pickup who is playing top-4 d for us admirably. I personally think you are out of line. Feel free to disagree...but I just had to say it. We will never see eye-to-eye on this. Nemeth is not my ideal 3-4 dman...he's my ideal 5-6...and he was picked up to provide depth. He's done that in spades. The fact that he lasted so long providing solid minutes in a top 4 role is outstanding...but for some reason you feel a need to bash him over it. I simply don't understand? What more did you want from a waiver pickup?

Few things.

1. First, no one here is asking him to be an "ideal" top-4 d-man. We merely want him to play a simple, straightforward game, and y'know, maybe clear the puck on the PK more effectively (admittedly, this has not been a huge issue of late). And it's not too much to ask for him to make better decisions when the puck is on his stick. He doesn't have to be Erik Karlsson, just find a way to get the puck out of trouble. There are times he just doesn't do that. AJ Haefele did a shift-by-shift breakdown in BSN about why he can be so utterly frustrating at times. Dude just isn't good with the puck. He's not Lindholm-level bad, but he's not good either.

2. It's subjective but in my mind there's a big difference between playing adequately and playing "admirably".

3. I don't think we're shitting on him per se. Calling out bad play when we see it is not shitting on him. If we come out with "he sucks!" yeah, that's shitting on him.

Out of line? I think you're being a bit overly dramatic, but you're right, we ain't gonna agree on this, and that's okay.

And I don't think he's an ideal 5-6. I think he's an okay 5-6. The only d-man on the roster I think is worse than him is Anton Lindholm. He's been a perfectly fine interim measure, I'd just rather the team not commit long-term to him.

 

[21]

Few things.

1. First, no one here is asking him to be an "ideal" top-4 d-man. We merely want him to play a simple, straightforward game, and y'know, maybe clear the puck on the PK more effectively (admittedly, this has not been a huge issue of late). And it's not too much to ask for him to make better decisions when the puck is on his stick. He doesn't have to be Erik Karlsson, just find a way to get the puck out of trouble. There are times he just doesn't do that. AJ Haefele did a shift-by-shift breakdown in BSN about why he can be so utterly frustrating at times. Dude just isn't good with the puck. He's not Lindholm-level bad, but he's not good either.

2. It's subjective but in my mind there's a big difference between playing adequately and playing "admirably".

3. I don't think we're ****ting on him per se. Calling out bad play when we see it is not ****ting on him. If we come out with "he sucks!" yeah, that's ****ting on him.

Out of line? I think you're being a bit overly dramatic, but you're right, we ain't gonna agree on this, and that's okay.

And I don't think he's an ideal 5-6. I think he's an okay 5-6. The only d-man on the roster I think is worse than him is Anton Lindholm. He's been a perfectly fine interim measure, I'd just rather the team not commit long-term to him.

Question is if Nemeth is beating some kind of NHL all time record here, perhaps there is a "Terrible player with amazing stats category"? I guess AJ Haefele (BSN) could make an article about this? (Thus making a fool of himself, be my guest.)

 

[klozge]

No idea what happened (because he was terrible in the last few games) but Nemeth looked good last night. I only noticed him a couple of times and every time it was in a positive way. Even in the phases of the game when all other Avs (but MacKinnon and Varly) kind of dozed away he was taking care of things.

 

[Pokecheque]

Question is if Nemeth is beating some kind of NHL all time record here, perhaps there is a "Terrible player with amazing stats category"? I guess AJ Haefele (BSN) could make an article about this? (Thus making a fool of himself, be my guest.)

What amazing stats are you referring to? His +/- ?

 

[21]

What amazing stats are you referring to? His +/- ?

1. Being a very big part of the Avs improved PK, Colorado currently NHL nr 3 in PK stats.
2. NHL nr 3 or 4 in PK time/game average with >3:30
3. NHL top three in blocked shots/game in average (not blocking as much as he did first half of season).
4. NHL nr 4 in +- stats with +29.
5. >19:50 TOI (average), fourth on the Avs (he will most likely end up as nr three in TOI for the team).

 

[Barklez]

Count me in as one that would love to keep Nemeth around on the bottom pair for the next couple years. Wth any sort of luck, Siemens will continue to grow more comfortable at this level and can play the steady, defensive role on the middle pairing next year - would solve a lot of our depth problems until the younger prospects start to force their way in.

Obviously Nemeth has been in over his head a bit since we ran into injury problems on the back but I think he’s been doing as well as can be expected. Yes you’d hope for more consistency from someone in the top 4 but he really shouldn’t be there in the first place, hence all the back and forth bickering in this thread.

He’s one of our better players around the net, cutting off cross-crease passes and blocking shots, and for a team determined to give up 40+ on a nightly basis I’m happy to have him in a 5/6 role. Another addition at the back this offseason to further flesh out the D depth would be good but if that ends up simply being Siemens sticking with the team next year and everyone getting healthy I don’t have a problem rolling with the corps we’ve got now.

 

[Foppberg]

How I feel about Nemeth is very up and down. Sometimes I really like him, sometimes I hate him. Basically an ideal bottom pairing D.

 

[Balthazar]

Barberio's injury affected his play a lot, they were pretty good together. He's a good "let's keep it simple" dman and have been trying to do a bit too much with Barbs and EJ out.