The “1 2 3″ on why Brunnstrom is great for the Stars

While we await the start of the NHL training camps, there has been a lot of talk about the 2 top signings by the Dallas Stars; Sean Avery and Fabian Brunnstrom.

While Avery is known to everybody (if you don’t know who Avery is, get out from behind your rock), Brunnstrom is a mystery. We’ve all read the reports about how he was referred to as “the best player outside of the NHL right now” (Malkin got this same label, btw) or how he’s overrated, but in truth we really know very little.

So here are 3 small things about Fabian Brunnstrom that (in my mind at least) make him a great addition to the Stars.

1. He’s a battler
At the age of 19, Brunnstrom quite literally crashed out of the Allsvenskan Hockey League, a division below the Elite League. To many, such a situation would destroy their career, but to Fabian, the demotion to Div 1 gave him a choice; battle and become the best or accept defeat. He chose to fight, and in doing so not only proved to himself he was destined to be an NHL hockey player, he proved it to the scouts, and eventually to Brett Hull and Les Jackson of the Dallas Stars, who signed him to an NHL contract. If you wonder why being a battler is great… go back and watch Stephane Robidas get his nose broken in last seasons playoffs and watch how he went right back out there, unable to breathe, probably in pain and gave it his all.

2. Alfy V.2
Brunnstrom is said to play a similar game to Ottawa’s Daniel Alfredsson. According to most scouting reports, he is a speedy skater with soft hands, good technical skills and a strong offensive upside. Most importantly, much like Alfy, he also has very good hockey sense and a strong positive attitude.

3. A moldable player
Brunnstrom himself states he is unsure if he’s ready for the next big step in his career, the NHL. He is however willing to throw himself in the hands of the Stars front office and coaching staff and allow them to help him become “that” player. While many may see his doubt as negative, his attitude and willingness to trust the coaching staff is a major positive.

I for one am more than pleased with the Stars organization for winning the “Brunnstrom Sweeps”. It does have risk involved, but the upside far outweighs them.