Dallas Stars Roster Changes; Fortunus Called up, Brunnstrom & Peters to AHL

The Dallas Stars have made a series of roster moves today as they work to adjust to some injuries on defense, as well as try to get some returning players healthy and get some playing time in the process.

To start with: Nicklas Grossman did not play yesterday with a "lower body injury" groin injury and is listed as day-to-day, although it's looking like he will not be available tomorrow night against the Blues. Additionally, Karlis Skrastins was hurt last night blocking a puck and while it seems that he should be ready to go, the Stars need to be ready in case of they are a defenseman short at game time.

So Maxime Fortunus has been recalled from the Texas Stars. Fortunas is an AHL veteran who plays a very intelligent game and has a big shot. I actually wrote up a scouting report on Fortunus last season, which can be found here.

To make room for Fortunas, Warren Peters was assigned back to the Texas Stars.

Fabian Brunnstrom has been activated off IR, but the Dallas Stars are sending him to the AHL for a 'conditioning assignment'. To me, this is a great way to get Brunnstrom some confidence back as he comes off of injury. Since Brunnstrom has to stay on the NHL roster to go down to the AHL for a rehab stint, Brian Sutherby has been placed on Injured Reserve to make room.

With James Neal returning from suspension and Fortunus up with the NHL team, the Stars now have 12 healthy forwards and six healthy defensemen, with the possibility that Skrastins plays tomorrow night and Fortunus is a healthy scratch.

Hope that wasn't as confusing to you as it was for me to write. It all makes sense, however.

Press release after the jump:

Frisco, Tex. - The Dallas Stars announced today that the club has placed center Brian Sutherby on injured reserve, retroactive to November 12. Stars left wing Fabian Brunnstrom has been activated from injured reserve and has been sent to the Texas Stars, Dallas' primary affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL), for a conditioning assignment. Dallas center Warren Peters has been assigned to Texas Stars. Defenseman Maxime Fortunus has been recalled on emergency conditions from the Texas Stars.

Sutherby, 27, has missed the last five games with a groin injury he suffered Nov. 12 at San Jose. He has skated in 17 games for the Stars this season, collecting five points (4g, 1a) and a +6 rating. The Edmonton, Alberta, native has appeared in 380 career NHL games, scoring 38 goals and 44 assists. Sutherby was acquired by Dallas last season in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 14, 2008.

Brunnstrom, 24, had been placed on injured reserve retroactive to Nov. 7, when he suffered a shoulder injury. He has tallied seven points (1g, 6a) in 17 games so far in 2009-10. The 6-2, 212-pound left wing has skated in 72 career NHL games, registering 18 goals and 18 assists. Brunnstrom played in the Swedish Elite League in 2007-08 for Farjestads BK Karlstad, collecting 37 points (9g, 28a) in 54 games. He was signed a free agent by the Stars on May 8, 2008.

Peters, 27, was recalled Nov. 19 from the Texas Stars. He played in two games for Dallas and scored his second career NHL goal against New Jersey on Saturday, Nov. 21. He has played in 16 games for the Texas Stars this season, notching seven goals and four assists for 11 points. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native has appeared in 365 career AHL games, collecting 65 goals and 53 assists for 118 points. Peters was signed as a free agent by Dallas on July 6, 2009.

Fortunus, 26, has played in 22 games this season for the Texas Stars recording three goals and two assists and 10 PIM. He collected seven goals and 12 assists in 58 games last season with Manitoba of the AHL. The La Prairie, Quebec native has appeared in 318 career AHL games, registering 80 points (23g, 57a). Fortunus was signed as a free agent by Dallas on July 3, 2008.

The Dallas Stars will host the St. Louis Blues Wednesday at American Airlines Center (7:00 pm, TV: Versus, Radio: Sports Radio 1310 The Ticket). Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:50 pm to see the entire ceremony honoring Brett Hull and his recent induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.