Report: Brunnstrom to sign with Canucks

[Hank 0]

Too bad he if he does go to Vancouver....... No offense to Canuck fans, but that place has been a grave yard for players...

Not to mention their horribly boring and offensively styfling playing style.

Alain Vigneault will make sure he's only allowed to cross the redline on powerplays and when the game has completed.

[Guest ForeChecK]

Uh oh, looks like a classic "Rudy" situation. Gets guaranteed playing time from the GM, then the GM is fired. Where does that leave the promise???

Jump on it Holland, say he will get 4th line minutes all season and give him a shot.

Or stick to the kids who've busted there hind ends off all year to play in the winged wheel and not give it to a baby, who doesn't feel like he has to go through the ropes. Later bloomer or not, He doesn't warrant guaranteed playing time.

[Opie 308]

Brunnstrom wouldn't be until next year, so I am not sure what you mean but busted their asses all year, Forecheck.

He would earn the spot at Traverse City in the Fall.

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

Or stick to the kids who've busted there hind ends off all year to play in the winged wheel and not give it to a baby, who doesn't feel like he has to go through the ropes. Later bloomer or not, He doesn't warrant guaranteed playing time.

Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot that you are the final word on playing time for future NHL players. How did he do at your fantasy training camp you invited him to? Did he do as well as all of the other qualified NHL scouts said he did in Sweden? Do you agree with some others assessment as he being the possible second coming of Crosby?

Personally, I think we should gamble with some prospects. If a player has certain qualities (as he does, seeing that the Wings are pushing hard for him) then a risk may be worth the possible reward. But to flat out say "No, I don't think so. He hasn't played with the organization and I would rather have a sub-par prospect that has spent time in the minors for a few years play than a hot shot up and comer with no ties to the Wings" is ignorant.

[Hank 0]

Brunnstrom's lazy and he sucks.

[Matt 1,049]

If Brunnstrom's confident in his skills and ability to make a seemless jump across the pond then there shouldn't be any issues with him signing with the Red Wings.

Everyone earns his keep here, in terms of playing time, etc. He won't be any different -- and frankly, that should apply to all teams. Sure, you could get loads of ice time for teams like the Kings, Lightning, etc. -- but they, well, suck. And front office stability is always an issue.

Then there's Detroit: Commitment to winning. Savvy negotiation around the salary-cap world. Rock-solid front office.

Hard not to like that.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

If Brunnstrom's confident in his skills and ability to make a seemless jump across the pond then there shouldn't be any issues with him signing with the Red Wings.

Everyone earns his keep here, in terms of playing time, etc. He won't be any different -- and frankly, that should apply to all teams. Sure, you could get loads of ice time for teams like the Kings, Lightning, etc. -- but they, well, suck. And front office stability is always an issue.

Then there's Detroit: Commitment to winning. Savvy negotiation around the salary-cap world. Rock-solid front office.

Hard not to like that.

I always say that to my Dad when we talk about Free Agents and such. But hockey players do whats best for them first and there family next. There isnt anyway around that, they go where they can make the most money for there familys and for themselves, and playing time does make a difference too. Classic example: Bertuzzi. Would've gotten top minutes with Zetterberg and Datsyuk, but wanted more money and went to Anaheim.

If only players thought like you Matt, we'd be chop full of superstars .

[Third Man In 2,091]

Everyone earns his keep here, in terms of playing time, etc. He won't be any different -- and frankly, that should apply to all teams. Sure, you could get loads of ice time for teams like the Kings, Lightning, etc. -- but they, well, suck. And front office stability is always an issue.

If Brunnstrom's on board with this I'm all for giving him a try. But if he's given the condition in Detroit that he was offered by Vancouver--that he's guaranteed to be up with the club all year--then no way. Imagine being saddled with Grigorenko all year long.

That being said, his name's Fabian for Christ's sake. How do you pass up on a name like that?

[Matt 1,049]

...But hockey players do whats best for them first and there family next. There isnt anyway around that, they go where they can make the most money for there familys and for themselves...

Well, money isn't the issue in this case. I'd have to look up whether it was the Free Press, News or MLive, but I'm pretty sure I saw that money was not the issue for Brunnstrom just because both Vancouver and Detroit had no problem maxing out the entry-level contract. It comes down to playing time and a guaranteed spot on an NHL roster.

IMO, Barry's pressing hard for this but if the jump over the pond isn't smooth, maybe some time in the A wouldn't be a bad thing, nor would getting fewer minutes on an NHL roster.... phase him in. The game is quite different over here and you wouldn't want him biting off more than he could chew. Even with the promises that Nonis made to Barry I'd be pretty surprised if Brunnstrom tanks it that they'd be so willing to stick to those promises. It just doesn't work that way.

Then again, you never know: He could make the jump as successful as Datsyuk and Zetterberg did -- but they're an exception to the rule.