Brunnstrom picks Dallas

[Psyblast]

http://www.cbc.ca/sportsnews/story/2...rom-stars.html

Quote:

Stars win Fabian Brunnstrom sweepstakes The Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs will have to look elsewhere for free-agent forwards after Sweden's Fabian Brunnstrom chose to sign with the Dallas Stars Thursday. CBCSports.ca confirmed the signing — a two-year, entry-level deal — which brings an end to one of the most talked about NHL stories in recent months. The Detroit Red Wings were believed to be the fourth team in the running for the 23-year-old Brunnstrom, a speedy and skilled winger and a classic late bloomer. Earlier in the season, the Vancouver Canucks reportedly were close to signing Brunnstrom, but the process was held up following the firing of general manager Dave Nonis. "In the end there was no wrong decision for Fabian," Brunnstrom's agent J.P. Barry of CAA Sports told the Canadian Press. "All the organizations were extremely professional in laying out the opportunity for him to play for their club. "Dallas was involved from the beginning, and in particular [co-GM] Les Jackson did a good job overviewing the benefits of Dallas. "When Fabian visited Dallas and got to meet everybody, including the players, he just felt it was the best overall fit for him." Barry would not discuss financial details but it's believed the deal is worth $875,000 US in base salary and could pay up to $2.5 million a season if he achieves all of his bonuses. Brunnstrom went undrafted and was extremely desirable, given his status as an unrestricted free agent. Brunnstrom, who visited Montreal last week, is coming off a nine-goal, 37-point season in 54 games with Farjestads of the Swedish Elite League.

[SPTO]

Stupid decision on his part, he's not going to get much PT with the Stars. He should've chose Toronto.

[mercalnd]

Quote: Originally Posted by SPTO

Stupid decision on his part, he's not going to get much PT with the Stars. He should've chose Toronto.

I'm surprised he didn't pick Detroit with all the Swedish players they already have. I doubt he's anything more than a third liner anyway.

[DrJones]

Dallas was an easy choice. More money (no state tax in Texas), no fan/media pressure. If Brunnstrom's a bust in Vancouver or Toronto, he's a bum and a talk-radio scapegoat. If he's a bust in Dallas, nobody outside the Stars organization will know or care.

[mercalnd]

Quote: Originally Posted by DrJones

Dallas was an easy choice. More money (no state tax in Texas), no fan/media pressure. If Brunnstrom's a bust in Vancouver or Toronto, he's a bum and a talk-radio scapegoat. If he's a bust in Dallas, nobody outside the Stars organization will know or care.

Good points.

[Qb]

Quote: Originally Posted by SPTO

Stupid decision on his part, he's not going to get much PT with the Stars. He should've chose Toronto.

We'll see. Miettenen (sp?) and Barnes most likely won't be back according to various sources. While they have a collection of useful wingers, aside from Morrow and Lehtinen, none are fixtures in the top-nine. If he performs, he could easily find a regular spot on the 2nd or 3rd line. Although I'm sure he'll need some time to adapt to the North American game and it wouldn't surprise me to see him start in the AHL.

But you are right in that he would have been almost an automatic top-six guy in Toronto, which as Dr. Jones pointed out, could have been the proverbial blessing/curse scenario for a young player with a fair amount of hype...

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by q_bert183

Although I'm sure he'll need some time to adapt to the North American game and it wouldn't surprise me to see him start in the AHL.

One of his contract "demands" was no time spent in the minors.

[Qb]

Quote: Originally Posted by DrJones

One of his contract "demands" was no time spent in the minors.

Interesting, I did not know that (cue best Johnny Carson imitation). That's rather bold coming from someone who wasn't even thought highly enough to be drafted a few years ago...