Stars take defenseman, winger

Both are longer-term projects, but they address needs.

Patrik Nemeth was taken 41st overall. He is a big, physical defenseman from Sweden.

Here are Stars scouts;

Stars Director of European Scouting Kari Takko: "Nemeth is a good skating defenseman. He is good on the puck and a big guy on the back end."

European Scout Rickard Oquist: "He's a good skater for his size. He brings leadership to his club. Nemeth brings a physical edge and is a solid defensive player."

Here's a scouting report:

``One of, if not the most improved player in Sweden between this year and last! Nemeth has really gained a level of comfort in his big body and has learned how to use it to his advantage. Punishing, Nemeth can dish out contact and receive it just as well and very rarely gives up his position. He can manhandle most players to the outside and can be a very intimidating player around his own crease while managing to stay within the rules. Nemeth makes good decisions on both sides of the puck even when under heavy pressure. He is consistent, disciplined and reliable and can lead the rush or hang back and support if needed.''

ISS

``Huge beast is a dominating physical presence. ... He's very raw, but there's a lot to like: great size/strength, skates well forward with and without the puck, and has tremendous tools. He's a long way from putting it together. ... A work in progress but tempting.'

The Stars then traded the 71st to Colorado for 77th and 109th.

They then took long-term project Alexander Guptill. He is a power forward LW who will play at Waterloo of the USHL next year and is commited to the University of Michigan after that.

Here is Stars scout Jimmy Johnston:

"Guptill is big and strong, one of the most talented guys that comes out of tier two. He has good hands. He's going to the University of Michigan. Alex really does not lack anything, he just needs to continue to play games. He was injured a bit last year."

Here is Tim Bernhardt:

"He is a big winger with a lot of natural skill. He is a young guy and needs some time to develop but he will get that time at Michigan."