Earlier we told you that this year’s sought after European free agent was Damien Brunner of Switzerland. You can read the article and see videos of Brunner here.
It appears Brunner has choosen his destination, and has signed to play for the Red Wings.
Brunner will be just one more weapon in the Wings arsenal of talented European forwards. Brunner became the first Swiss born and trained player in thirty years to lead the Swiss elite league in scoring this season. Playing for Zug, he scored 60 points in just 45 games. He was also extremely impressive for the undermanned Swiss team at the 2012 IIHF World Championships.
Brunner, now 26, is a classic late bloomer. He was undrafted, and has been slowly working his way up the ladder in Europe increasing his points for Zug nearly every year.
Undersized but blessed with good skating and stickhandling ability it will be interesting to see how Brunner’s game translates to North America.
I think its now fair to ask what becomes of Jiri Hudler who will be an unrestricted free agent for the Wings this summer. Does this signing indicate the Wings will be allowing him to walk away? or do they treat Brunner the same way they treated Fabian Brunnstrom? Sure you’ve got a shot in training camp, but you’ve proven nothing and you might end up in the AHL?
Either way the Wings have added yet another piece to their team and management has shown that they will continue to try and add pieces to win now, despite the retirement of Nicklas Lidstrom.
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… and thats the Last Word.
