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Markus Näslund

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Markus Näslund
Born (1973-07-30) July 30, 1973 (age 51)
Örnsköldsvik, SWE
Height 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight 200 lb (91 kg; 14 st 4 lb)
Position Left/Right Wing
Shoots Left
NHL team
Former teams		 New York Rangers
Pittsburgh Penguins
Vancouver Canucks
Montreal Canadiens
NHL draft 16th overall, 1991
Pittsburgh Penguins
Playing career 1993–present

Markus Näslund (born July 30, 1973, in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden) is a Swedish professional ice hockey player with the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League. Prior to signing with the Rangers, Näslund spent 12 years with the Vancouver Canucks, including seven as team captain. Referred to as "Nazzy" by Canucks fans and "Macke" or "Mackan" in his native Sweden, he is one of the last NHL players to continue to use a wooden stick.[1]

Originally drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Näslund is a Lester B. Pearson Award winner (2003) and former Hart Memorial Trophy nominee (2003). He is also a three-time First Team All-Star, chosen in 2002, 2003 and 2004. After being traded to Vancouver in 1996, he became the franchise leader in goals and points. In 11 seasons with the Canucks, he was named team MVP five times and led the team in scoring for seven consecutive seasons — both team records.

Internationally, Näslund has represented Sweden on many occasions, winning two bronze medals (1999 and 2002) and a silver (1993) at the World Championships, as well as two silvers as a junior (1992 and 1993 World Junior Championships).

Playing career

Early career

After playing for MODO in Sweden's senior league as a 17-year-old, Markus Näslund was drafted 16th overall in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Remaining in Sweden for two more years before entering the NHL in 1993-94, Näslund continued to play for Modo alongside countryman and childhood friend, Peter Forsberg, leading the team in scoring for the 1991-92 season. Most notable in Näslund's pre-NHL career was his play in the 1993 World Juniors in which he set a tournament record for most goals scored, with 13, in the process of leading Sweden to a silver medal.[2]

Upon entering the NHL with the Penguins, Näslund struggled to find his form. Although he showed promise in training camp and in practices, his play in games was inconsistent.[3] His first NHL goal came against Curtis Joseph of the St. Louis Blues 13 games into his rookie campaign.[4]

On March 20, 1996, near the end of the 1995-96 season, Näslund's most prolific with the Penguins, he was acquired by the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Alek Stojanov. This trade would later be regarded as one of the most lopsided trades in NHL history once Näslund would elevate himself into stardom.[5]

Näslund's first two seasons with the Canucks did not see significant change in his offensive output, and he was not a favourite of coach Mike Keenan. At the start of the 1997-98 season, Keenan scratched a healthy Näslund, prompting Näslund to ask the team for a trade, however, the request was denied.[6]

The following season, Näslund led the Canucks in scoring during a period of rebuilding for the franchise. His 36 goals and 66 points were vast improvements over the 14 goals and 34 points from the previous season, and would serve as the starting point for Näslund's ascent to NHL stardom. He would also earn the Cyclone Taylor Trophy, as the Canucks' MVP – his first of five during his tenure with Vancouver. This was the star that Pittsburgh hoped to see during his time with their organization.

West Coast Express

His breakthrough season would arrive in 2000-01 when, in a press conference at the Canucks' training camp held that year in Sweden,[7] he was appointed team captain by general manager Brian Burke on September 15 — the first European-born captain in Canucks history. The Canucks' predecessor as captain, NHL legend Mark Messier has been cited by Näslund as his greatest influence,[8] having played alongside him the previous three seasons. That year, Näslund went on to set personal highs in goals and points, and led the Canucks to their first playoff appearance since 1996. However, his 41-goal, 75-point campaign would be cut short late in the season by a broken leg, and an already injury-decimated Canucks team would fail to make any headway in the post-season, losing their best-of-seven series against the Colorado Avalanche in 4 straight games.

Näslund returned from his injury the following season, breaking his personal record with a 90-point season which included 40 goals. Once centreman Brendan Morrison became the normal third member of Näslund and Bertuzzi's forward line in 2002-03, the usual Vancouver top line was established, and was dubbed the West Coast Express (named after Vancouver's commuter rail service of the same name). The line earned the Canucks a great deal of attention, and Näslund finished 2002-03 with career highs of 48 goals and 104 points, to finish second overall in NHL scoring. Complemented by Bertuzzi's fifth place finish in league scoring and Morrison's 71-point career high, many considered the Näslund-Morrison-Bertuzzi to be the most effective line combination in the league that season. The line was considered by many, including hockey great Wayne Gretzky, to be the best offensive combination of players in the world. During their prime the three players were featured on the covers of magazines such as Sports Illustrated and The Hockey News. Gretzky compared the 'West Coast Express' to the line of Mark Messier, Jari Kurri, and himself that dominated the NHL during 1980s while playing for the Edmonton Oilers. Bertuzzi, Morrison and Näslund remain extremely close to this day.[9][10][11]

The 2002-03 season, statistically Näslund's best, culminated with him winning the Lester B. Pearson Award, and finishing as first runner-up for the Hart Trophy. The Canucks lost their final game of the regular season to the Los Angeles Kings, and along with it the Northwest Division championship, which the Avalanche were awarded for the ninth consecutive season. After the game, in front of a sellout home crowd, Näslund apologized, going as far as to say that the team 'choked.'[12] Vancouver won its first round playoff matchup against the St. Louis Blues in 7 games after trailing 3 games to 1. The Canucks then lost to the Minnesota Wild in the next round, failing to finish off a 3-1 series lead of their own.


Näslund led the Canucks in scoring for the sixth-straight season in 2003-04, finishing with 35 goals and 84 points. Near the end of the season, Näslund and the Canucks became the center of attention among sports circles with the Steve Moore incident. On February 16, 2004, Näslund sustained a minor concussion as Colorado forward Steve Moore delivered a hit as Näslund was stretched out to retrieve a puck after play had been whistled dead. [13] Näslund, who at the time was the league's leading scorer, was sidelined for three games. As the Canucks and Avalanche met again on March 8, linemate Todd Bertuzzi retaliated to the previous hit on Näslund and sucker punched Moore in the back of the head late in the third period. [14] Moore was severely injured and the Canucks lost Bertuzzi for the remainder of the season to an indefinite suspension.[15] Despite the absence of Bertuzzi, Näslund would lead the Canucks to the Northwest Division title that they had squandered the previous season, but lost to Calgary in the first round in seven games.

During the NHL labour conflict he returned to his hometown team MODO Hockey of the Elitserien. Näslund was joined by Vancouver teammates Daniel and Henrik Sedin, as well as former MODO teammate Peter Forsberg, but would appear in only 13 games.[16]

Post-lockout

As play resumed in 2005-06, Näslund re-signed with the Canucks for three more years, at $6 million per season.[17] For a franchise record seventh consecutive season, he would lead the Canucks in scoring, with 32 goals and 79 points, however the Canucks would fail to make the playoffs. He also chose not to join the gold-medal winning Swedish national team at the 2006 Winter Olympics due to an injury.[18]

In the 2006-07 home opener against San Jose, Näslund scored his 300th goal as a Canuck, tying Trevor Linden for the franchise lead,[19] overtaking Linden later in the season. However, Näslund's offensive production began to dip in 2006-07, as linemate Bertuzzi was traded to Florida and newly signed coach Alain Vigneault introduced a new defence-first system. He completed the season with 60 points, his lowest output since 1997-98, marking the first time in seven seasons that he did not lead the team in scoring (Daniel Sedin had 84). In the post-season, as the Canucks would capture their second Northwest Division title, he would contribute 5 points before being eliminated by eventual Stanley Cup champions, the Anaheim Ducks.

In 2007-08, Näslund set several more career marks. On November 21, 2007, Näslund scored his 11th career hat-trick, tying the Canucks' franchise record for most hat-tricks with 10. It was his first hat-trick since December 2003. Several games later, on December 5th, Näslund became the Canucks' franchise leading scorer, assisting on a Mattias Öhlund goal and passing Trevor Linden with 725 points. Later in the season, on January 17, 2008, Näslund played his 1000th career game against the Detroit Red Wings, scoring a goal in a losing effort.

Näslund finished the season with his lowest points total since 1997-98 and he was admittedly frustrated with Alain Vigneault's defensive coaching style.[20] On July 3, 2008, he signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the New York Rangers,[21] leaving Vancouver as the franchise's leading point and goal scorer. Upon signing, he revealed New York was his prefered destination heading into free agency, but admitted it was a difficult choice to leave Vancouver.[21][22]

International play

Markus Näslund
Medal record
Representing Sweden Sweden
Men's ice hockey
World Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2002 Sweden
Bronze medal – third place 1999 Norway
Silver medal – second place 1993 Germany
World Juniors
Silver medal – second place 1993 Sweden
Silver medal – second place 1992 Germany

Näslund has represented Sweden in many international hockey competitions. He played for Team Sweden in the 1992 and 1993 World Junior Championships, where his team won silver medals both times. In 1993, he set a tournament record for most goals scored.[2]. Näslund would also represent his country in the 1993, 1996, 1999 and 2002 World Championships, winning the silver medal once and bronze twice. In 1996, Näslund played in the World Cup of Hockey, where the team would reach the semi-final before falling short against Team Canada. At the 2002 Winter Olympics, Näslund again represented his country, where a surprising Belarus team would upset Team Sweden. Näslund would also participate in the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. He chose not to join the gold-medal winning Swedish national team at the 2006 Winter Olympics due to an injury.[23]

Personal life

Näslund was born to Ulla and Sture Näslund in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, the same town that produced NHL star Peter Forsberg and Näslund's Canucks teammates, Henrik and Daniel Sedin.[24][25]

Markus Näslund and his wife Lotta have three children: Rebecca, Isabella, and Alex. They reside in Vancouver during the season and return to Sweden in the summer.[4][26] Like Swedes Nicklas Lidström and his childhood idol, Håkan Loob, Näslund has expressed a desire to raise his children in his homeland Sweden.[27] However, he also considers Vancouver his home and cherishes his time spent in the city.[26] At one point, Näslund had hoped to retire as a Canuck.[17]

In 2002, Näslund and Peter Forsberg founded Icebreakers, an organization that raises money for children's charities through hosting exhibition games featuring current and former professional hockey players.[28] In Vancouver, Näslund runs a program called "Nazzy's Suite 19" that gives underprivileged children the opportunity to attend Canucks games.[29] Näslund is also known to visit sick children at BC Children's Hospital.[30]

Career statistics

    Regular Season   Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1988-89 Järveds IF SEL-3 14 7 6 13 0 – – – – –
1989-90 MODO Hockey J20 33 43 35 78 20 – – – – –
1990-91 MODO Hockey SEL 32 10 9 19 14 – – – – –
1991-92 MODO Hockey SEL 39 22 17 39 52 – – – – –
1992-93 MODO Hockey J20 2 4 1 5 2 – – – – –
1992-93 MODO Hockey SEL 39 22 17 39 67 3 3 2 5 0
1993-94 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 71 4 7 11 27 – – – – –
1993-94 Cleveland Lumberjacks IHL 5 1 6 7 4 – – – – –
1994-95 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 14 2 2 4 2 – – – – –
1994-95 Cleveland Lumberjacks IHL 7 3 4 7 6 4 1 3 4 8
1995-96 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 66 19 33 52 36 – – – – –
1995-96 Vancouver Canucks NHL 10 3 0 3 6 6 1 2 3 8
1996-97 Vancouver Canucks NHL 78 21 20 41 30 – – – – –
1997-98 Vancouver Canucks NHL 76 14 20 34 56 – – – – –
1998-99 Vancouver Canucks NHL 80 36 30 66 74 – – – – –
1999-00 Vancouver Canucks NHL 82 27 38 65 64 – – – – –
2000-01 Vancouver Canucks NHL 72 41 34 75 58 – – – – –
2001-02 Vancouver Canucks NHL 81 40 50 90 50 6 1 1 2 2
2002-03 Vancouver Canucks NHL 82 48 56 104 52 14 5 9 14 18
2003-04 Vancouver Canucks NHL 78 35 49 84 58 7 2 7 9 2
2004-05 MODO Hockey SEL 13 8 9 17 8 6 0 1 1 10
2005-06 Vancouver Canucks NHL 81 32 47 79 66 – – – – –
2006-07 Vancouver Canucks NHL 82 24 36 60 54 12 4 1 5 16
2007-08 Vancouver Canucks NHL 82 25 30 55 46 -- -- -- -- --
NHL Totals 1035 371 452 823 679 45 13 20 33 46

International statistics

Year Team Event   GP G A Pts PIM
1992 Sweden WJC 7 8 2 10 12
1993 Sweden WJC 7 13 11 24 33
1993 Sweden WC 8 1 1 2 14
1996 Sweden WC 1 0 0 0 0
1996 Sweden WCup 1 0 0 0 2
1999 Sweden WC 10 6 4 10 16
2002 Sweden Oly 4 2 1 3 0
2002 Sweden WC 3 1 2 3 0
2004 Sweden WCup 4 0 3 3 0
Junior int'l totals 14 21 13 34 45
Senior int'l totals 31 10 11 21 32

Awards

International

Award Year(s)
World Juniors All-Star Team 1999

NHL

Award Year(s)
First All-Star Team 2002, 2003, 2004
All-Star Game 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Nominated for the Hart Memorial Trophy 2003
Lester B. Pearson Award 2003

Vancouver Canucks team awards

Award Year(s)
Cyclone Taylor Award 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Cyrus H. McLean Trophy 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006
Most Exciting Player Award 1999, 2001
Molson Cup 2001, 2002, 2003

Records

  • World Junior Championships' record for goals in a single tournament: 13 (1993)
  • Vancouver Canucks' franchise goals leader: 346 (as of 2007-08)
  • Vancouver Canucks' franchise points leader: 756 (as of 2007-08)
  • Vancouver Canucks' franchise hat-tricks leader: 10 (tied with Tony Tanti)[31]
  • Vancouver Canucks franchise record for single-season points by a left wing: 104 (2003-03)

See also

References

  1. ^ Shaikin, Stacy (2005-10-13). "These books bound for glory". Calgary Sun. Retrieved 2008-06-13.
  2. ^ a b "Tournament records". Retrieved 2008-06-18.
  3. ^ "Naslund trade no big deal back then". Pittsburg Tribune-Review. Retrieved 2008-06-18.
  4. ^ a b "Vancouver Canucks - Team: Näslund Naslund Official Player Page". National Hockey League. Retrieved 2008-03-10.
  5. ^ Montgomery, Ted. "Eight Awful NHL Trades". USA Today. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
  6. ^ Amber, David. "Q&A with Markus Naslund". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
  7. ^ Brånfelt, Björn. "Vancouvers superkedja" (in Swedish). Aftonbladet. Retrieved 2007-04-22.
  8. ^ Samuelson, Karl. "Naslund proves worth the wait". National Hockey League. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
  9. ^ Johnson, George. "Naslund driving towards 50 -- and the Hart". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-03-13.
  10. ^ Canamucio, Matt. "2002 All NHL Team". The Sports Network. Retrieved 2008-03-13.
  11. ^ Saumelson, Karl. "Chemistry lesson works in Vancouver". National Hockey League. Retrieved 2008-03-13.
  12. ^ Pap, Elliott. "Remember the Storr-keeper?". The Vancouver Sun. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
  13. ^ "Canucks lose Naslund for a week". CBC. 2004-02-26. Retrieved 2008-06-19.
  14. ^ "Police investigate Canucks' Bertuzzi for hit on Moore". CBC. 2004-03-10. Retrieved 2008-06-19.
  15. ^ "Bertuzzi reinstated by NHL". CBC. 2005-08-08. Retrieved 2008-06-19.
  16. ^ "2003 NHL MVP out at least eight weeks". ESPN. 2005-01-21. Retrieved 2008-06-18.
  17. ^ a b "Agent says deal worth $21 million". ESPN. 2005-08-03. Retrieved 2008-06-06.
  18. ^ The Associated Press. "Sweden's Naslund to miss Torino Olympics". USA Today. Retrieved 2008-03-10.
  19. ^ "Sharks spoil Canucks' home opener". CBC Sports. 2006-10-14. Retrieved 2008-06-06.
  20. ^ Gross, Dave (2008-07-03). "Naslund in, Jagr and Straka out as Rangers shuffle deck". Canwest News Services. Retrieved 2008-07-03.
  21. ^ a b Zipay, Steve (2008-07-03). "Kalinin and Naslund are newest Rangers". Newsday.com. Retrieved 2008-07-03.
  22. ^ "Naslund joins Blueshirts". Rogers Broadcasting Ltd. 2008-07-03. Retrieved 2008-07-03.
  23. ^ The Associated Press. "Sweden's Naslund to miss Torino Olympics". USA Today. Retrieved 2008-03-10.
  24. ^ "Naslund steps up as Canucks win fifth straight". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-06-08.
  25. ^ Farber, Michael (2003-04-14). "Friend Or Foe?". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2008-06-08.
  26. ^ a b "Vancouver Canucks - Features: O Captain! My Captain!". National Hockey League. Retrieved 2008-05-25.
  27. ^ "Naslund has some other goals in mind". The Globe and Mail. 2003-01-08. Retrieved 2008-06-07.
  28. ^ "Star-studded Icebreakers play summer hockey for a cause". National Hockey League. 2007-08-01. Retrieved 2008-06-07.
  29. ^ "Nazzy's Suite". Vancouver Canucks. Retrieved 2008-06-07.
  30. ^ "Linden a hero to those with little left". The Province. 2008-06-11. Retrieved 2008-06-13.
  31. ^ "Vancouver Canucks - All-time stats". Vancouver Canucks. Retrieved 2008-04-05.


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