Faceoff Factor

Top Swedish Prospect chooses Dallas

Matt Bodenschatz | Transactions & Rumors

May 8, 06:47 PM | Hype this story!

Fabian Brunnstrom hasn’t played a game in the National Hockey League. In fact, wasn’t even made a draft choice by one of the 30 teams.

But the Swedish superstar certainly has found his way into enough newspaper and blog headlines during the previous months.

That’s because the forward — widely known as one of the best players not in the NHL — has been mulling over which team he would like to sign with this summer.

Today he announced through his agent, J.P. Barry, that he will make his NHL debut in 2008 with the Dallas Stars, who already have one of the most talented teams in the NHL.

“In the end there was no wrong decision,” Barry said, according to TSN.ca. “All of the organizations involved were extremely professional and respectful in their approach and the opportunity was carefully explained. The Dallas option was simply the best one overall for Fabian and he is very comfortable with his decision.”

Among those believed to be in the running for Brunnstrom were the Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Calgary Flames, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Detroit early was believed to be a heavy favorite based on the large number of Swedes already on the roster, but Dallas eventually won out after proving that, though there is plenty of depth, there also will be plenty of opportunities.

According to TSN, Brunnstrom’s contract is a two-year deal worth up to $2 million if he hits bonuses.