Colorado Avalanche claim Patrik Nemeth from the Dallas Stars

As suspected, the Colorado AValanche have used their waiver priority in order to strengthen the blueline. The team claimed 25-year old Swedish defenseman Patrik Nemeth from the Dallas Stars.

Nemeth is a left-shooting defender that played 40 games in the NHL last season.

Here is what Taylor Baird, Managing Editor of Defending Big D had to say about Nemeth:

Patrik Nemeth is a victim of circumstance. He looked like a solid piece for the Stars in the 2013-2014 season, but early in the 2014-2015 season RJ Umberger's skate sliced a tendon in his forearm, causing him to miss most of the season. That time off caused him to slide into the mix of the glut of defensemen Dallas has been juggling for several seasons now, never really setting himself apart from the likes of Stephen Johns and Jamie Oleksiak. He should find himself rejuvenated with a new team and a fresh start.

The acquisition of Nemeth means that Duncan Siemens - who has already passed through waivers - will be reassigned to the San Antonio Rampage.

Nemeth is a 6’3 stay at home defenseman that brings toughness and physicality to the team.

A big, strong, physical and mean stay-at-home defenseman. There is nothing fancy about Nemeth's offensive game and there are players out there with far better hockey sense and passing ability (although Nemeth's first pass is pretty good), but he is a very valuable player with his determined and tight defensive play. Has good timing in his hits and is quite mobile considering his large frame.

We likely won’t see him in the season opener on Thursday, but there is a very good chance that he ends up taking games away from Anton Lindholm, Mark Barberio, and/or Chris Bigras.

Nemeth will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season.