Damien Brunner
PITTSBURGH – Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock is so high on Swiss prospect Damien Brunner that he already has him penciled in on one of his top two lines.
Brunner, a free agent who led the Swiss League in scoring this past season, has agreed to a one-year, two-way contract with Detroit. He is expected to sign on July 1, barring any complications.
“I know a lot about him because I went to the World Championships (in May) and watched him play,'' Babcock said Saturday at the NHL entry draft. “The thing for us is he’s high, high paced, he scored, looks like he has tons of skill.
“Can he adjust and play the North American game? We’re going to give him every opportunity. He’ll be a top-six forward to start with us and see where he goes with us.''
Brunner, 26, isn't big (5-11, 180), but he's a fast-skating, highly skilled winger who shoots right-handed. He had 24 goals and 60 points in 45 games for Zug (Swiss-A). Babcock expects to use him on the power play.
“Loves to score goals,'' Babcock said. “Led the Swiss league (in points) as a Swiss player; I think that’s the first time that’s been done in a long, long time. So good for us.”
Babcock does not view Brunner as a speedier version of Jiri Hudler, the small winger who appears on his way of town out as a free agent.
“Huds can play in traffic and handle the puck and make plays,'' Babcock said. “This guy (Brunner) is a shooter and a skater.”
There is no telling how Brunner's success in the Swiss league will translate to the NHL.
“I went to the World Championship and watched this guy practice every day, I watched him play,'' Babcock said. “I stood in the hallway and let him walk by me. Now, does that mean he’s any good? We think he is. Have I been wrong before? Many times
“I encouraged Ken (general manager Holland) to come. Ken looked at him and he liked him, too, so we put our best foot forward and we think he’s a good fit. Our top six, (Johan) Franzen and (Pavel) Datsyuk and (Henrik) Zetterberg and Fil (Valtteri Filppula) are all left-hand shots. (Brunner) is a right-hand shot who plays fast.”
At his age, Brunner was restricted to a one-year, entry-level contract. There is little risk for the Red Wings.
“The way I look at it is that you have to make decisions and try to get better,'' Babcock said. “We’ve been able to encourage the kid to join us. He could have gone anywhere he wanted, he chose to be a Red Wing.”
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