Fabian Brunnström’s time in Toronto was a brief interlude in a North American career that burned bright early before fading quickly.

The Swedish right-winger garnered the attention of NHL clubs during a career in his native land which encompassed stints with Jonstorps, Helsingborgs, Rögle BK, Borås and Färjestad BK.

The Dallas Stars took the gamble on the undrafted forward and penned Brunnström to a two-year entry-level contract.
In doing so they fought off attention from the likes of Detroit, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.


After being scratched for the opening two games of the Stars 2008-09 campaign, Brunnström made his debut in fairytale fashion.

He became the third player in NHL history to score a hat trick in his debut game on October 15, 2008, joining Alex Smart of the Montreal Canadiens (1943) and Réal Cloutier of the Quebec Nordiques (1979) before him.

Often forgotten is that he was credited with the game-winner and also scored a fourth goal which was disallowed.

A memorable debut and a first season total of 29 points in 55 games were as good as it got for the winger in North America.
Injuries plagued his career and in what would have been his third season with Dallas, the Stars placed the Swedish forwards on waivers and assigned him to Texas after clearing.

On January 13, 2011, Brunnström was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Mikhail Stefanovich.

The 2010-11 version of the Toronto Marlies was not one of the best in the franchise’s history and would miss the playoffs.

Brunnström made a strong start by assisting on both Toronto goals albeit in a 3-2 loss.
An assist on a tying goal in the second game against Abbotsford allowed the Marlies to force a shootout in which they prevailed.

In truth, the Swedish native struggled to put up offense during his time with the Maple Leafs’ affiliate, fishing with fourteen points in 35 games.

Half of his four goals occurred in a victory against Syracuse and it was clear that the two companies would be parting ways in the summer.

On August 17, 2011, the Detroit Red Wings signed Brunnström to a pro tryout contract.

Making the Red Wings’ 2011–12 starting roster, on October 3, 2011, Detroit signed Brunnström to a one-year two-way contract.

He was, however, a healthy scratch for all but one of the Red Wings’ first nine games, and on October 30, 2011, was placed on waivers.

Despite impressing in the AHL for Grand Rapids Griffins, the right-winger would only be afforded a further five NHL games.


The North American adventure ended in 2012 as he signed with Frölunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

During the 2013–14 season, Brunnström transferred to fellow SHL side Leksands IF and would on to play for Malmö Redhawks, whom he helped gain promotion to the SHL.

It appeared as if Brunnström had retired after sitting out the 2015–16 season, but there would be one last hurrah.
Rungsted Seier Capital of the Danish Metal Ligaen would benefit from the services of the highly skilled Swedish winger.

Brunnström recorded twenty-five points in 37 games, playing his part in the club winning the Danish championship.

A fitting way to retire.

The following quotes from an interview hosted on the SHL official website speak volumes to me.

“I actually feel very happy about what I have experienced. When I was 15-16 years old and worked at Burger King, it was not even on the map to have hockey as a profession. Then things started to spin and everything happened by itself and I am happy with what I have experienced, he concludes.”

When asked, what really happened to his career, did it go too fast?

“I have thought a lot about this over the years. One thing was probably that it spun on way too fast in the beginning, even though it was great fun and I was happy with everything that happened. But I think the best thing for me would have been to start in the AHL after the year in Färjestad. Many players who do not go directly to the NHL are in the AHL for a number of years and may develop in peace and quiet before they are ready to be lifted up. It would probably have been the best thing for me to play ball calmly. The pressure became unmanageable after the hat trick and everyone expected me to score goals and points in every match and when it did not, it was easy to fall deeper.”

https://www.shl.se/artikel/4nq7aj31d-403dd/en-spelarkarriar-fabian-brunnstrom

Now 36 years of age, Brunnström is a personal trainer for athletes and does some individual work with hockey players.

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