Music: {allcanada} OILERS' KRUEGER BELIEVED IN WINGS' BRUNNER

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

{allcanada} OILERS' KRUEGER BELIEVED IN WINGS' BRUNNER

Michigan Live believes that when the Red Wings recruited the undrafted, late-blooming Damien Brunner during last year's World Championships, signing him to a one-year contract on July 1, nobody could predict how he would adapt to a different league.

"You don't know how they'll react to the physical play and the bigger bodies, don't know if they'll be overwhelmed or intimidated,'' Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said.

Edmonton Oilers coach Ralph Krueger, who coached the Swiss national team from 1998-2010, had little doubt Brunner would make an impact in the NHL.

"He dominated the Swiss League the last few years with his speed and his skill level, which is elite,'' Krueger said. "He's a bit of a late developer. He wasn't at that complete level as a 20- or 21-year-old. At the world tournaments the last few years, he really showed that he could play at this level.

"Having time with Zetterberg in Zug was very helpful in the transition. It made him coming in a lot more comfortable. Damien Brunner will be an excellent player here for a long time.''

Holland said he hasn't begun talks on signing Brunner to an extension. Both sides need a bigger sample size to gauge his value, which is growing.

"I think there is still progress to be made. I can play much better,'' Brunner said. "I'm learning every day and feel more comfortable every game I play.''