Nemeth claimed on waivers from Dallas

The Avalanche, which has first dibs on the waiver wire through this month, likely strengthened its blue line Tuesday by claiming defenseman Patrik Nemeth on waivers from the Dallas Stars. The Swedish-born 25-year-old has spent his entire career with the Stars after they selected him with the 41st pick of the 2010 draft.

Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog, 24, grew up playing with Nemeth in Stockholm and international tournaments.

“We know each other really well and see each other all the time in the summertime,” Landeskog said. “I’m glad he’s here and getting a chance with us because he can be a good addition for us.”

Avs coach Jared Bednar said Nemeth, 6foot-3 and 219 pounds, will begin playing with Tyson Barrie at even-strength.

“Big, solid defender,” Bednar said. “He should help us back there with a little experience.”

Nemeth has played 108 career NHL games but still looking for his first goal. He will either travel to Colorado on Wednesday or meet the team in New York for Thursday’s season-opener against the Rangers.

Nemeth, under contract through this season at $945,000, could become a restricted free agent July 1.

The addition forced the Avs to reassign one of three rookie defensemen, and Anton Lindholm, 22, was the odd-man out. Andrei Mironov, 23, and Chris Bigras, 22, secured opening-night spots with the Avs.

Footnotes.

The Avs could add more players from the waiver wire. They have first dibs through Oct. 31 because they finished with the fewest points in the 30-team NHL last season. … Backup goalie Jonathan Bernier is back to 100 percent after tweaking his groin, and that allowed Colorado to reassign Joe Cannata to get down to two goalies on the roster. … Forward A.J. Greer (concussion) continued to practice in limited drills with the team Tuesday. He and defenseman Sergei Boikov (shoulder) will begin the season on injured reserve.