Stars land Swedish forward

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Before the puck dropped Thursday in Detroit, the Stars scored a victory over the Detroit Red Wings and several other NHL teams by landing highly touted free agent forward Fabian Brunnstrom of Sweden.

"In the end there was no wrong decision for Fabian," his agent J.P. Barry 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."

The Red Wings, Montreal and Toronto were among the other teams in the hunt for the 23-year-old forward, a late bloomer who was never drafted. A couple of teams were said to make late pushes for Brunnstrom's services as well.

The deal is believed to be a two-year entry-level contract that is worth $875,000 per year, but carries bonus incentives that could push it to $2.5 million.

An official announcement could come Thursday night or Friday.

Brunnstrom had 37 points (nine goals, 28 points) in 54 games with Farjestads of the Swedish Elite League this past season.

Fabian Brunnstrom
Vital Info
Born:  February 6, 1985 in Sweden
Height/Weight: 6-1/203 pounds
Position: Left Wing
Catches:  Left
Signed by the Dallas as a free agent May 2008
2007-08 Season
While playing for Farjestads, he had nine goals and 28 assists in 54 games in his first season in the Swedish Elite League.
Background
Never drafted. Virtually came from nowhere to become a widely pursued free agent by several NHL teams. In 2006-07 led Swedish Division 1 in scoring with 73 points (36 goals, 37 assists) in 41 games, and helped lead his Boras team to a promotion to the next highest level in Swedish hockey.
Scouting Report
Highly skilled, well-rounded player with world-class speed, which gives him the ability to blow by defenders. Has very good moves, is an excellent stickhandler and can dangle with the puck. Excellent passing skills. Very smart player who anticipates plays well.  One scouting service labeled him as a "poor man's Henrik Zetterberg."
Recent Stats
Season Team GP G A PTS PIM
2005-06 Jonstorps (Sweden Division 1) 38 21 23 44 8
2005-06 Rogle (Sweden Allsvenskan) 3 0 0 0 2
2006-07 Boras (Sweden Division 1) 41 36 37 73 28
2007-08 Farjestads (Swedish Elite) 54 9 28 37 16

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