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Devils put Brunner on unconditional waivers

Los Angeles Kings v New Jersey Devils

NEWARK, NJ - NOVEMBER 15: Damien Brunner #12 of the New Jersey Devils skates in an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings at Prudential Center on November 15, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Paul Bereswill

Seems as though Damien Brunner’s time with the New Jersey Devils organization is done.

From TSN:

NJ puts Damien Brunner on unconditional ($125) waivers, presumably for mutually agreed termination of NHL contract.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) December 11, 2014


Unless there’s curve ball here, NJ wants to lose contract, Brunner wants freedom to sign Euro deal. If he clears, they’re free of each other

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) December 11, 2014


Brunner, 28, scored two goals and seven points in 17 games this season prior to getting waived on Dec. 5, and averaged 15:09 TOI per game.

The Swiss winger had been and out of the Devils lineup this year, never seeming to fully earn the trust of head coach Peter DeBoer. It’s possible New Jersey was also expecting much more from Brunner after inking him to a two-year, $5 million contract last season — since joining the Devils he’s scored only scored 13 goals and 32 points in 77 games, failing to replicate the success he had with Detroit in his first NHL campaign.

Brunner, you’ll recall, had 26 points in 44 contests during the lockout-shortened ’13 season, then proved to be one of the Red Wings’ most consistent scorers in the playoffs, going for five goals and nine points in 14 games.

While some speculated a waiver claim or trade could come to fruition, it appears other NHL clubs were scared off by Brunner’s cap hit ($2.5 million). As such, it appears a move back to Europe is in the cards -- Brunner spent five years playing for Zug of the Swiss National League A, and could be on his way back.

Oh, and speaking of cap hits, Brunner’s would be wiped off New Jersey’s books if he clears.