The Swedish Elite star made his decision official prior to game 1 of the Western Conference Championships.
So Dallas can consider that a victory over Detroit, seeing as both were in the running for the young star.
Brunnstrom first garnered the attention of the NHL when he posted 37 points in 54 games as a member of Färjestads BK, a member of the Elitserien, or the Swedish Elite League.
It can be argued that 9 goals and 28 assists isn't something to be terribly impressed with, but there is a counter-argument to that.
This season in the Elitserien, the most points by an individual was 67. That player, Mattias Weinhandl, is a veteran of the SEL, along with having four separate stints in the NHL.
The 2007-2008 season, however, was Brunnstrom's first at this level.
Brunnstrom had narrowed his decision down to three teams: Dallas, Detroit, and Montreal, all of which were courting him to join their roster.
The three teams all took the time to court the Swede, but it was Dallas and Detroit who fought hardest.
Detroit guaranteed him a spot for a month of next season, then said he'd have to, basically, prove his worth. At the same time, they openly said they saw him as a terrific addition, but no superstar.
But ultimately, Dallas was where the Swede felt he belonged.
Dallas is a place focusing on the youth of the team. This season, Dallas has utilized the rookie talents of players like Matt Niskanen and Mark Fistric, and Brunnstrom knew this would be a place he would be utilized and garner ice time.
Another quality Dallas has is a strong Scandinavian presence in the locker room. Swedes and Fins alike make up one-third of the Dallas locker room, only outnumbered by Canadians.
Overall, Dallas picked up a wonderful addition to their roster. He will, undoubtedly, be a strong offensive force on the ice for the Stars, and should fit in nicely to the system.
EDITORIAL ALERT!
Sorry had to put that!
Anyway, I don't know HOW Detroit could have looked at this kid and said "he's not a superstar."
Right now he's not, but you honestly don't think this kid could and quite possible would be the next Tomas Holmstrom or Peter Forsberg?
Yeah, those are big shoes to put a young kid in, but to say he'd only get a month to try and prove himself is ridiculous to me.
Dallas landed a kid with amazing potential, and honestly someone who could be a huge star. I cannot wait til next season when he debuts in "Big D."
We're going to send you the most entertaining Dallas Stars articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
3 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete