Brunner signed with HC Lugano of Switzerland on Friday, Tom Gulitti of the Bergen Record reports. Just one day after the Devils terminated his contract, Brunner latched on with the Swiss club, where he'll likely stick for the remainder of the season. The 28-year-old had $1.7 million left on his $2.5 million annual salary at the time of his dismissal from New Jersey, but the team couldn't justify keeping him around as some of its better forwards got healthier.

Brunner was placed on unconditional waivers Thursday, presumably for the purpose of his release, Tom Gulitti of the Bergen Record reports. GM Lou Lamoriello wouldn't confirm that the Devils were terminating Brunner's contract, but that seems like the logical outcome here after the winger refused an assignment to AHL Albany following his removal from the 23-man roster last week. With no teams interested in his services at the NHL level, Brunner is expected to play the remainder of the season in Switzerland, where he'll attempt to restore some value in pursuit of a payday in North America next season.

Brunner was placed on waivers by the Devils on Friday, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports. General manager Lou Lamiorello cited an impending logjam at the forward spot with players returning from injury as the reason for Brunner's placement on waivers. The winger skated on the second line and gathered and assist Thursday night with all of Patrik Elias, Jaromir Jagr, Martin Havlat, Travis Zajac and Ryane Clowe sidelined with various ailments, but the Devils should get most of those bodies back in the coming days. Brunner has appeared in 17 games this season, tallying two goals and five assists.

Brunner scored the Devils' only goal in Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Islanders. He now has a point in each of his last two games. Brunner has six points in 15 games this season, but can't be counted on to deliver fantasy goodness to owners. At least not yet. His career best is 26 points and there's a slim chance he might come close to equalling that total this season.

Brunner scored his first goal of the season in Friday's shootout loss to Dallas. A terriffic outing from Brunner, who was credited with a team-high six shots on goal in the loss. The 28-year-old now has three points in three games on the season. If he remains healthy, which has been a past concern, Brunner could net 20 goals and 40-50 points skating on the Devils' second line. Brunner is an elite sniper, who's consistency issues always seem to keep him from becoming an elite fantasy player.

Brunner picked up a pair of power-play assists in Tuesday's overtime loss to the Rangers. Despite playing just 12:40 overall, Brunner saw enough time on the man advantage to set up goals by Adam Henrique and Jon Merrill. That should help his case to stay in the lineup after being healthy scratched several times to start the year.

Brunner isn't likely to play Thursday against the Flyers, Tom Gulitti of the Bergen Record reports. Brunner and Jacob Josefson were both left out of regular line duty in practice the last two days, suggesting they'll be bound for the press box for the opener. While Brunner offers more offensive upside in a bottom-six role than most players, it appears the more physical Jordin Tootoo is a better fit for what coach Pete DeBoer wants on his checking line.

Brunner (face) took part in morning skate but doesn't look as though he will play in Saturday's preseason finale, Tom Gulitti of the Bergen Record reports. Brunner required stitches on his upper lip after taking a puck to the face at Friday's practice. While he'll be held out for the preseason finale, his status for the beginning of the regular season isn't in jeopardy. He'll likely fill a bottom-six role for the Devils this season.

Brunner left Friday's practice early after taking a puck to the face, Tom Gulitti of the Bergen Record reports. According to coach Pete DeBoer, Brunner required a few stitches to close up a cut on his face, but the forward should otherwise be fine. DeBoer said he expects to have Brunner available for Saturday's preseason finale, though he could be held out as a precaution.

Damien Brunner scored for Switzerland in a 3-2 loss to the United States on Saturday. The Swiss were on the wrong end of a pair of questionable offside calls, which negated goals in the contest. Switzerland is now 0-2 at the 2014 World Hockey Championship and they will look for their first win on Monday against Belarus.