Brunner's contract with Lugano would have lasted for another season. He joined the Bianconeri in December 2014 after being put on unconditional waivers by the New Jersey Devils after two years in the NHL. The 32-year-old initially joined the Detroit Red Wings in 2012, but due to the lockout, he made his first NHL-appearance in January 2013. After only one season, Brunner left the Red Wings to join the Devils. Before his time in North America, the forward had three personally very successful seasons with EV Zug. Prior to that, he was under contract with EHC Kloten, his youth team.
"Damien has a very strong presence on the ice. With his skating and technical skills, he is hard to handle for opposing defenders", Biel's team manager Martin Steinegger says. The club's head scout, Thomas Roost, also notes Brunner's advanced stats, his unpredictability and his speed.
The forward has been out due to injury since the beginning of March. He underwent surgery for the MCL of his left knee and also the anterior tibiofibular ligament of his left ankle and was announced to be out for five to six months.
Brunner has played a total of 135 NHL-games, recording 30 goals and 37 assists, as well as 492 National League-games, recording 179 goals and 237 assists. Internationally, he has suited up for the Switzerland 86 times (29 goals, 31 assists).
Last Update: 19 May 2018, 12:03 PM | esi*Grazie! @OfficialHCL pic.twitter.com/kVF4f9tfmI
— Damien Brunner (@damien_brunner) May 19, 2018
