Dallas Inks Brunnstrom

After weeks (even months) of speculation, Fabian Brunnstrom has signed with the Dallas Stars.

Brunnstrom, 23, didn't have the advance billing of an elite NHL player like Crosby or Lecavalier, but the demand for the young winger was certainly there. Brunnstrom, who plays in the Swedish Elite League, was a late bloomer that caught plenty of media attention this past year.

In 41 games with Boras in Sweden's second-tier league last season, he potted 37 goals and 73 points in just 41 games. This season, he's continued his stellar play with Farjestad of the Swedish Elite League.

In February, as many as 20 NHL teams showed interest, with the front runners being Dallas, Detroit and Montreal. Although it was thought that the Red Wings had an inside track to acquiring Brunstrom with fellow Swedes Nicklas Lidstrom, Niklas Kronwall, and Henrik Zetterberg in the lineup, Brunstrom demanded top-6 minutes from the club he would sign with. With Detroit and Montreal's depth, Dallas became the easy choice for Brunstrom who will lace up his skates for the 2008-09 campaign.

By winning the ‘Swedestakes’, the Dallas Stars have either gained a potential first-line winger or another over-hyped European prospect. However, there is absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain with this signing. Dallas is not giving up any players, draft picks, or prospects and are simply taking a chance on a kid who could prove to be the real deal. It is as if Dallas is going 'all-in' with pocket aces...but with no one calling. Obviously, they've got nothing to lose. Nonetheless, it should be interesting to see if Brunnstrom lives up to the hype.

On a side note, Toronto could have signed Brunnstrom last year (for a lot less money) but chose not to because their top European scout recommended Brunstrom play one more season with Farjestad of the Swedish Elite League. Boy, do the Leafs ever regret that decision now...

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