LATEST | Long-time NHL defenceman leaves North America, signs in Europe

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Cooper Godin
July 28, 2023 (2:36 PM)

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After being placed on unconditional waivers by the Arizona Coyotes to buy out the final year of his contract, it was unclear what Patrik Nemeth's options were going forward in North America.

The free agent market has been open for nearly four weeks now and with no teams showing interest, Nemeth has decided that it's time to return to Europe after parts of ten seasons in the National Hockey League.

On Friday, SC Bern, a team in Switzerland's National League, announced that they've agreed to terms on a two-year contract (2023-24 & 2024-25) with Patrik Nemeth.

Note: the following is translated from German.

"Transfer news: SC Bern is very happy about the arrival of long-time NHL defender Patrik Nemeth. After ten seasons in the National Hockey League, the Sweden international returns to Europe. Nemeth has signed in Bern for two years." SC Bern said on their Twitter account.

"With his toughness, his leadership qualities and his strong two-way game, Patrik Nemeth fits our DNA perfectly," says SCB sporting director Andrew Ebbett. "He is a player with a lot of experience and will strengthen our defence."

Nemeth, 31, appeared in 504 career games in the NHL with Dallas, Colorado, Detroit, the New York Rangers and Arizona, recording 70 points (ten goals, 60 assists), 240 penalty minutes and was a plus-three. He also added two assists in 33 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

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