No need for me to explain anything new here – since you already know that Brian Burke pulled off a small deal to land Swedish forward Fabian Brunnstrom from the Dallas Stars. Going the other way of course was Belarusian enigma Mikhail Stefanovich.
For some typical Leafs fans this trade will either be seen as “not enough” or, conversely, blown way out of proportion.
Simply, this deal isn’t really a big one. By trading Stefanovich, Brian Burke let go of a guy who probably wasn’t going to break into the NHL any time soon (or ever, for that matter.)
With Brunnstrom, the Leafs add a pretty big winger who’s also somewhat of an enigma. They also haul in a little more cash, but for a team who pays Jeff Finger millions to play for the Marlies, it isn’t really a big deal.
Brunnstrom was signed by the Stars in 2008, when he was a free agent leaving the Swedish Elite League. He posted solid numbers that season in the SEL with 37 points in 54 games. At the time of his signing in Dallas, the Leafs were also heavily interested in signing the big winger.
After joining the Stars, Brunnstrom started off hot, but returned to “project” status shortly thereafter. From Hockeydb.com, here’s a look at his career numbers.
It would be great for Toronto if this guy can turn it around in a new environment and make another stab at becoming an NHL’er. Only time will tell, obviously. But for now the Marlies get some help on the left wing, and the entire organization gets a player that still has time to get better at only 25 years of age.
It’s a gamble, but not one of much magnitude.
Email ryanfancey@gmail.com and follow on twitter
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Original Story:
http://maplestirup.com/2011/01/maple-...
