With all that hype and fame crashing around him, Brunnstrom decided to reflect on the path that brought him to where he is.

“Six years ago, I was working at Burger King,” he said.

“Sure, I was playing hockey, but it was just for fun. A few years later, some NHL teams were interested, so it was all surreal. There was big, big hype, but I knew myself I had much to learn. I started good in the NHL and now I’m in the minors, but that doesn’t matter. Sure, I want to play in the NHL, but I have a lot to learn and I need to work hard and play.”

Brunnstrom is friends with Leafs goalie Jonas Gustavsson — the two played together in Sweden — and he’s simply glad to be with a new team, with the opportunity to return to the NHL.

“I was really excited when I found out about the trade,” Brunnstrom said. “I’m happy to be in this organization and the main thing is I want to play. I have a good opportunity here.