Not even ABBA hit North America with as much hype as the fabulous Fabian Brunnstrom.
He's the 23-year-old, unrestricted free-agent phenom from Sweden who is creating a signing frenzy among NHL teams. Brunnstrom's agent, J.P. Barry of CAA Sports, says he now expects as many as "15 proposals to come by Sunday."
Interested teams have been asked to propose not just their term and salary offer but where Brunnstrom fits within their organization. The Vancouver Canucks were close to signing the 6-foot-1, 203-pound winger but lost their top-contender status when Dave Nonis was fired as general manager.
The Canucks had envisioned Brunnstrom as one of their top-six forwards. The Detroit Red Wings are also keen on Brunnstrom but are deep up front, which means Brunnstrom wouldn't be an immediate top-six forward. Other interested parties include: the Montreal Canadiens; Ottawa Senators; Toronto Maple Leafs; Boston Bruins; Dallas Stars; Philadelphia Flyers.
Barry said he and Brunnstrom would sort through the proposals to determine the best three or four options sometime next week.
The Maple Leafs could have signed Brunnstrom last year (and for a lot less money) but chose not to after their top European scout, Thommie Bergman, recommended Brunnstrom play another season with Farjestad of the Swedish Elite League.
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