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Warren Peters & Fabian Brunnstrom: A Matter Of Finances

Let's get this straight. Warren Peters being sent down to the AHL while Fabian Brunnstrom continues to receive NHL playing time is a matter of finances and nothing else. Peters signed a two-way contract with the Stars over the summer, while Brunnstrom has played too many games to be able to be assigned to the NHL without passing through waivers first. So with the Stars needing to clear roster spots for Jere Lehtinen, there was really no choice as to who was the odd man out.

Yet from what we've seen thus far, and especially the past few weeks, Warren Peters has provided the type of play this team needs out of their fourth liners while Brunnstrom continues to struggle. While it's true that Brunnstrom has certainly improved lately, he's still not providing the production one would expect from a player that was so heavily recruited two years ago. Follow the jump to see how:

Star-divide

 GP  BTN Rating  QUALCOMP  QUALTEAM  Goals/60  Pts/60  +/-'ON60  GFON/60  GAON/60
 Warren Peters  8   2.01   0.035   0.060
 1.10
 1.10
 2.24   2.19   0.00
 Fabian Brunnstrom  30   -0.92   -0.022   0.058   0.20
 1.82   -0.61   2.43   3.04 

Stats compiled from BehindTheNet.ca.

Here we have a basic comparison of the two players. First, it must be noted that Peters has appeared in just 8 games so his numbers have yet to average out to the mean. Yet it's still amazing to see how much Brunnstrom has struggled all season long. He's facing considerably less quality of opponents (QUALCOMP), while playing with around the same level of teammates (QUALTEAM). Yet Peters' overall +/- is insanely much higher, as he's producing a much higher goal rate while being comparable in points (it helps Brunnstrom to be playing with Mike Modano). And yes, he's played in just eight games, but it's incredible to see how many goals are scored per 60 minutes when Peters is on the ice.

He's gritty, has speed and has the physicality you need out of the fourth line. He's also a center. His presence allows the Stars to properly utilize Toby Petersen's versatility and it's no coincidence that Petersen is playing his best hockey of the season. With Peters sent down, Petersen will be back at center on the fourth line, and it's a good guess that Lehtinen will play next to Modano on the third line.

At some point, the Stars will need to cut ties with Brunnstrom unless they absolutely feel he has a future on the team. He's yet to prove that he deserves that shot, not with this iteration of the Stars.

Can a team that is fighting for a playoff spot and finally starting to put together consistent team efforts afford to keep playing a player that is seriously underperforming?

0 recs  |  Comment 6 comments |

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Despite his improvment

I believe its time to movie Brunnstrom, package him with Riberio and ship him to Toronto.

Watch out for the infamous "Two Minute" Turco

by RealDealNeal on Jan 30, 2010 5:05 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

It's hard to think of moving Ribs

but I see where you’re coming from.

Brunny and Ribs don’t seem to fit in the style of play that Crawford is moving towards and I believe that both players would benefit well and have great careers at another club.

"Blind faith will lead you to the promised land...trust us." Texas Tech Administrators and Board of Regents (not a direct quote but it smells about right)

by Damien Franco on Jan 30, 2010 10:58 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

There are a few players who need to go...

Brunnstrom is probably at the top of the list. There has to be some team thinking that a large bodied winger with speed would look good in their lineup. Please get him out of here so we can have players who have a positive impact.

by modano9 on Jan 30, 2010 7:40 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Agreed

I would have been embarressed to be the one to have to tell Peters he should go and Brunnstrom should stay. Fabian needs a redo…with another team. I think he has some talent…and it doesn’t work in this system. He will be more valuable to another team than to us….a trade seems painfully obvious.

These statements hold true to lesser degrees with a handful of others on this team…but none more than Brunnstrom.

by KingPodda on Jan 30, 2010 11:18 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

i just don’t see why Dallas is hanging on to brunnstrum, he has shown nothing and even when he was scoring last year, he still was not that impressive of an all around talent. If your only going to give him 6 minutes a night then those minutes are better off going to a guy like Peters

born to destroy

by Lifewish on Jan 30, 2010 11:32 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

While I agree with you on Brunnstrom

I don’t think we should move him just to keep Peters in our line up. If we are going to give up assets, we need to be smart about it and get something we need. Despite his subpar play, I think we might be able to get something for him – especially as part of a package.

I must have this thing for hockey boys from Whitby with the initials JN.

by Happy Girl on Jan 31, 2010 8:55 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

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