Stars News & Notes: Brunnstrom expected to make NHL debut

Tuesday, October 14, 2008-9:17:pm
/Andrew's Dallas Stars Page                            

After sitting and watching his teammates play the first two regular season games, Fabian Brunnstrom is expected to make his NHL debut Wednesday night against the Nashville Predators.

"There's probably a good chance he'll play," said Stars coach Dave Tippett. "He's excited."

Brunnstrom, the highly touted Swedish prospect the Stars signed as a free agent last May, echoed those sentiments.

"It's been a dream since I was a little kid," Brunnstrom said after Tuesday's practice in Frisco. "My first NHL game, it's going to be a lot of fun."

The Stars have been diligent in not rushing matters with the 23-year-old Brunnstrom, who has been adjusting to life in North America, getting used to hockey on a smaller rink and learning what it takes to play at the NHL level.

"I've been very impressed with how respectful he is of the process, the league, his teammates. He's gone out every day and worked hard," said Tippett. "We all recognize it's going to be a process to get him adapted to life in the NHL. He's very willing to work and everything we've seen so far is very positive. The next step is to get him into some games and see how we do."

Brunnstrom’s excitement was evident on Tuesday. He said his comfort level is improving with each day. He's constantly working on his game and is often one of the last players off the ice.

As for sitting out the first two games, Brunnstrom said that was no problem. Sure, he'd like to play, but he still learned from watching.

"Yeah, it was a good experience," he said. "I think I am learning something new every day. The more time I am here the more comfortable I feel.

"It feels good out there and I feel comfortable."

The Stars know expectations are high for Brunnstrom and they are trying to keep things in perspective. Tippett said the debut probably won't live up to all the hoopla that surrounded last year's pursuit of Brunnstrom by the Stars and several other NHL teams.

Tippett would like to see a solid two-way game from Brunnstrom played within the team concept.

In the grand scheme of things, the Stars are looking at this as just another step in Brunnstrom's development, which is still in its very early stages.

"The first game he plays isn't going to match all a year's hype. That's not reality. He's got to get in, get up to speed and he'll continue to improve," said Tippett. "Where he is now versus where he is at game 20, at game 40 or at game 80 will be much different.

"The things I see in him as a person and a player, there is no reason to believe that he won't continue to climb that ladder. As an organization that's exactly what we should be looking for."

Injury update

Center Mike Ribeiro (undisclosed) skated Tuesday and is expected to play Wednesday.

Right wing Jere Lehtinen (groin) skated on his own, but did not practice Tuesday. He is doubtful for Wednesday.

Defenseman Philippe Boucher and forward Steve Ott did not practice Tuesday, but worked out off the ice.

“Nothing serious I hope, but we’ll see where they are tomorrow,” Stars coach Dave Tippett said about Boucher and Ott.

Practice Lineup

Here is the lineup the Stars rolled out for Tuesday's practice in Frisco.