Stars’ Brunnstrom Conquers NHL, Sets Sights On AHL

Brunnstrom holds all the proof he'll ever need.

Blair Charbonneau, Hockey Net

DALLAS — Dallas Stars forward Fabian Brunnstrom announced Sunday he is abandoning the NHL to pursue his dream of skating a full season with the Texas Stars, Dallas’ AHL affiliate.

As a highly touted swedish prospect, Brunnstrom exploded onto the NHL scene in 2008 and joined an elite group by recording a hat-trick in his first game. Two years and 40 points later, Brunnstrom is leaving with no regrets and nothing left to prove.

“Towards the end I was just going through the motions. I wondered ‘what am I still doing here? What else can I accomplish?’ It’s time for a new challenge,” said Brunnstrom, adding “Now I know how Scott Niedermayer must have felt.”

Though the twenty five-year-old is leaving the Stars with a void at left wing, GM Joe Nieuwendyk wishes him the best of luck. “Fabian’s moving on to bigger and better things,” commented Nieuwendyk.

Growing up playing minor hockey in Jonstorp, Sweden, Brunnstrom’s aspirations of AHL prominence must have seemed like a pipe dream — until now. Brunnstrom expressed his excitement to finally play for the team he’s idolized since its 2009 inauguration.

Brunnstrom will only have to wait until Friday, when the Stars host the Lake Erie Monsters.