DETROIT – Determining Damien Brunner's market value hasn't been easy for the Detroit Red Wings, who are attempting to sign the skilled forward before he hits unrestricted free agency on July 5.

By the time a player is eligible for the open market he usually has a track record in the NHL, which the sides can use to determine his worth.

Brunner, 27, is a special case because he has played only one NHL season after dominating for several years in the Swiss league.

The highs and lows he experienced further complicate matters. He flourished the first 19 games (10 goals), slumped during his final 25 games (two goals) and then led the team with five goals in the playoffs.

That makes it a little tricky trying to settle on the term and the money for his next contract, after he earned a base salary of $925,000 this past season.

The Red Wings would be hesitant to sign him for more than $2.5 million per season, or for more than three years.

Maybe Brunner can get a better deal in a thin free-agent market, especially at a time when goal-scorers are at a premium. But, is it worth it to leave a comfortable environment for a little more money?

“I guess I have to think about it in the next couple of weeks and talk to my agent and Kenny (general manager Holland), and then we’ll see what’s going on,'' Brunner said during locker clean-out day on May 31.

Brunner had nothing but positive things to say about his experiences on and off the ice.

“It was exciting and a lot of fun; my first NHL season and I get a chance to play with the Red Wings,'' Brunner said. “It was an honor to put that sweater on and I’m happy that it turned out the way it did.”

He called it the best locker room he has ever been in.

“When you come in as a new guy it's always tough the first day you walk into the locker room,'' Brunner said. “Those guys make it so easy on you. They've helped me through the whole year.

“It’s a different game over here and there was a lot to adjust to and a lot to learn, but I think I made a step in the right direction.''

Brunner has good offensive instincts, a terrific shot. Being a right-handed shooter makes him more valuable to the Red Wings, whose roster is dominated by lefties.

But, Brunner is not a complete player due to his defensive shortcomings.

Brunner appeared in a career-high 97 games between Europe and the NHL this season. Wherever he plays next season, he'll be better prepared for the grind.

“I hit a wall only because the amount of travel for me was tough to adjust to, and the time difference,'' Brunner said. “The good thing is I came back after that 15-, 20-game slump and played some of my better hockey again in the postseason.''

He called the playoffs tight and intense.

“I don't think I ever got more cross-checks in my back and more slashes in my calves than the last four weeks,'' he said. “But, it's exciting, especially playing in front of all those fans. It's such a great atmosphere.''

The Red Wings were tied for 19th in goals per game during the regular season (2.54). They need to improve their offense, and teammates hope Brunner is part of the solution.

“He did a great job for us, scored some big goals,'' goaltender Jimmy Howard said. “He's got a nose for the net, takes the pressure off some of our big guys up front. It's good to be able to have that scoring touch, a guy that can put the puck in the net.''