Arizona Coyotes UFA Signs Overseas

A former second-rounder and a ten-year NHL veteran, he saw the writing on the wall as his days in North America seemed numbered after being bought out of his contract in June. Now, Swedish defenseman Patrik Nemeth is heading closer to home to continue his hockey career, signing in Switzerland. 

Arizona Coyotes unrestricted free agent (UFA) D Patrik Nemeth has signed a two-year contract with Bern (NL).#Yotes pic.twitter.com/VqfIUkEMC7

— Around The Horn Hockey (@ATHornHockey) July 28, 2023

It's a two-year deal with SC Bern of the Swiss National League. 

Nemeth was bought out of the final year of his 3-year, $7.5M contract by the Arizona Coyotes after spending one season there, coming over from the New York Rangers. 

"With his toughness, his leadership qualities and his strong two-way game, Patrik Nemeth fits our DNA perfectly," said SC Bern sporting director Andrew Ebbett in a team news release. "He is a player with a lot of experience and will strengthen our defence."

The 31-year-old D-man played over 17 minutes per game this past season in the desert, scoring no goals with five assists in 75 games for the 'Yotes. He was a minus-7. He had strikingly similar numbers with the Rangers the season before, with two goals and five assists along with a minus-9 in 63 games. He was a healthy scratch for 15 of the Rangers' 20 playoff games that year. 

A new start for Nemeth back in Europe will hopefully reset him back on a good course in his professional career. 

Photo: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports