COVENTRY BLAZE head coach Danny Stewart has been in ‘brief talks’ with fans favourite Chris Bruton as he aims to bring back to the 29-year-old to the Skydome for the 2016/17 season.
Bruton, who has been climbing the iconic Mount Everest in recent weeks, quickly became a fans favourite when swapping from the Braehead Clan in early February.
The Canadian forward, who scored a sensational hat-trick during the Blaze’s 6-2 win over the Cardiff Devils in last season’s playoff semi final, posted an impressive 23 points from 16 regular games during his campaign with the Blaze last year.
Coventry Blaze coach Danny Stewart said: “We have had brief discussions with Chris and as an organisation we are still committed to bringing him back.
“We have the luxury now to be very selective in how we finalise our roster.
“We know with our last few spots we want to add some additional speed and skill and also a couple guys that will bring a physical element, but also be productive in other areas.”
The news comes as coach Stewart announced that he believes his side are in a ‘good place’ with regards to summer recruitment as the countdown to the first puck drop begins.
The 37-year-old Canadian will return to Coventry on Friday following a short working break home in Niagara, Canada, during which he sealed deals for Swedish winger Robin Bergman and young British forward Liam Stewart.
Both Bergman and Stewart are known to be strong skaters – something that the new Blaze boss earlier identified as an area of focus.
Coach Stewart said: “Right now we are in a good position.
“With important parts of our core back in place, we have gone and added depth to our line-up and also some speed.”
The Blaze will announce the date for Danny Stewart’s first game behind the Blaze bench tomorrow morning along with further details of the club’s pre-season schedule which is expected to start in August.
