Fabian Brunnstrom

[omnipotent_hudler 0]

Didn't see a topic on this guy yet...

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/1132...Alfredsson.html

Fabian Brunnstrom may not turn out to be the next Daniel Alfredsson, but apparently a ton of NHL teams aren't willing to take a chance on being wrong about him.

In fact, one assistant GM reckons every team in the NHL is probably after Brunnstrom, a little-known 22-year-old rookie for Farjestad in the Swedish Elite League. That's because Brunnstrom is just now developing into a legitimate NHL prospect and now that European players are subject to the same draft rules as North Americans under the new collective bargaining agreement, he is an unrestricted free agent (take a look at this YouTube video for a small sample of his skill level).

"He's the first of a lot of players from Europe you're going to see in this situation," said the assistant GM. "It used to be you waited for European players. Lots of times you would draft them and keep them over there for four or five years to see how they develop. Well, you can't do that anymore."

Brunnstrom, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound forward, is a classic late bloomer. Last season he was playing First Division in Sweden, which is two steps under the Elite League and was a star at that level, which prompted Farjestad to sign him this season. He skates very well and his three goals and 13 points in 21 games are probably not a clear indication of how good he is offensively.

One scout said it's doubtful Brunnstrom could step in and play on an NHL team's top two lines right now, but he is seen as a good prospect with a lot of upside. And remember, there are a number of hockey executives who still wake up in a cold sweat over not paying more attention to Alfredsson, who was drafted 133rd overall by the Ottawa Senators as a 21-year-old in 1994.

"He's coming pretty much from nowhere," said Farjestad GM Hakan Loob. "Mentally, he has grown strong in the past year, but he has the potential to become mentally stronger. He looks like he has been in the Elite League for a couple of years the way he moves the puck and skates and everything like that."

Loob did acknowledge that Brunnstrom has faltered a little after a fast start, so rushing him into the NHL would not be a wise idea.

"If they treat him the right way, I think he's got a good future ahead of him," Loob said. "But if he's thrown into the NHL too soon, he might not do anything."

The most recent issue of THN speculates that Detroit and Vancouver will be top contenders to sign this guy due to the heavy Swedish influence on those two teams... Anyone happen to know more about this guy? Apparently he is good enough that he's become a well known name with NHL GM's league wide. If we can sign him to a rookie contract, might he eventually develop into a legit second line forward? It seems likely he'd be able to jump into the NHL more quickly with our European style game than with other teams.

[irishtemper14+25 11]

guy sounds good, but that video didnt really show me anything

never hurts having another top prospect

[irishtemper14+25 11]

guy sounds good, but that video didnt really show me anything

never hurts having another top prospect

[Grittzkey 1]

anybody who has the "strom" in there name is good in my book.

[irishtemper14+25 11]

edit: double post

Edited December 17, 2007 by irishtemper14+25

[Winther 6]

Didn't see a topic on this guy yet...

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/1132...Alfredsson.html

The most recent issue of THN speculates that Detroit and Vancouver will be top contenders to sign this guy due to the heavy Swedish influence on those two teams... Anyone happen to know more about this guy? Apparently he is good enough that he's become a well known name with NHL GM's league wide. If we can sign him to a rookie contract, might he eventually develop into a legit second line forward? It seems likely he'd be able to jump into the NHL more quickly with our European style game than with other teams.

He is currently playing on "my" team in Sweden, Färjestads BK. He is definetely the real deal. Played in the swedish third tier league last year (41 GP 73 points), now hes playing for one of the best clubs in sweden, and he is one of the top players(20 points in 27 games, +8, second on the team in points, 17th in the league). This is also not just any team he is playing a vital role on, Färjestad is currently second in the league, they won the regular season last year (went out in semis) and theyve been in they finals 7 straight seasons before last season. I think he could be a second line point producer in NHL, he is that good. Strong skater, strong on the puck, great scoring ability. It's really weird he hasnt been picked up yet..

[omnipotent_hudler 0]

He is currently playing on "my" team in Sweden, Färjestads BK. He is definetely the real deal. Played in the swedish third tier league last year (41 GP 73 points), now hes playing for one of the best clubs in sweden, and he is one of the top players(20 points in 27 games, +8, second on the team in points, 17th in the league). This is also not just any team he is playing a vital role on, Färjestad is currently second in the league, they won the regular season last year (went out in semis) and theyve been in they finals 7 straight seasons before last season. I think he could be a second line point producer in NHL, he is that good. Strong skater, strong on the puck, great scoring ability. It's really weird he hasnt been picked up yet..

Does he play wing or center?

Anyways, this is good news. If Detroit can nab him, we can maybe have two top producing lines. Or, if he cant quite make the jump to the second line that quickly, he can ease in on the fourth line. That would allow us to move Ellis, Kopecky or Samuelsson out of town.

[Winther 6]

Does he play wing or center?

Anyways, this is good news. If Detroit can nab him, we can maybe have two top producing lines. Or, if he cant quite make the jump to the second line that quickly, he can ease in on the fourth line. That would allow us to move Ellis, Kopecky or Samuelsson out of town.

Hes currently playing LW . He is a leftie.. Here's a quote from elite prospects concerning him;

"An offensively gifted forward with a decent scoring touch. Brunnström is a speedy skater with soft hand and good technical skills. Combines speed and stickhandling in an impressive way. Hockey sense is pretty good and he is also strong physically with a good attitude."

[Grittzkey 1]

sounds like dats.

[Guest wingswillwincup]

thats why im pissed we didnt sign lofberg , cause prospects take longer to develop and if the team had such high praises on lofberg when they drafted him they should of signed him since we can afford to anyways , never heard of that kid though if hes worth takin a chance on then sign him we got the money to spend anyways

[Grittzkey 1]

Oh Hey How We Doing?

[omnipotent_hudler 0]

Apparently this guy is under contract through next year, and with Sweden pulling its transfer agreement he's probably not going to be over here till 09/10. I'm sure Hakan Andersson is talking to this guy, however... Not to mention lidstrom/zetterberg/kronvall/holmstrom/lilja/samuelsson/franzen... I'd bet he's either going to Detroit or Vancouver in 2 years, unless I'm mistaken in assuming he can only sign a rookie contract(900,000 max) in his first year?