Leafs missed out on Brunnstrom last year

The late-blooming Brunnstrom burst onto the scene last season and won the Swedish Division 1 scoring title with 37 goals and 73 points in 41 games while playing for Boras HC. After his impressive season, the Leafs' chief European scout, Thommie Bergman, recommended the talented prospect to Toronto's general manager at the time, John Ferguson. But the Leafs decided to adopt a wait-and-see approach with the prospect and continue to keep a watchful eye on him this season. "It was a big step for him to go from playing for Boras to the NHL," said Bergman, who added the Leafs could have signed Brunnstrom and then allowed him to develop for another season in Sweden. "I've seen him play many times," Bergman said. "I think he could be a top player for 10 or 15 years in the NHL."