Markus Naslund

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Näslund was traded to the Vancouver Canucks on 20 March 1996 in exchange for forward Alek Stojanov—a deal that would be regarded as one of the most lopsided in NHL history once Näslund displayed his full offensive capabilities. Stojanov went on to play just 45 games, scoring two goals and four assists for the Penguins over the next two seasons, becoming a career minor-leaguer who retired by age 29, while Näslund would eventually play 884 games with the Canucks in 12 seasons. With the Canucks, Näslund led the team in scoring for 7 seasons, was thrice first team All-Star (2002, 2003, 2004), a Lester B. Pearson Award recipient in 2003, and runner-up for the Hart, Art Ross, and Rocket Richard Trophies in 2003. He received the Cyclone Taylor Trophy as the Canucks' most valuable player five times and the Cyrus H. McLean Trophy as the leading point-scorer for seven consecutive seasons—both club records—en route to becoming the franchise leader in goals and points. In December 2010, he became the third Canucks player to have his jersey retired, joining Stan Smyl and Trevor Linden.

In Their Own Story

Nicknamed 'Nazzy' by Canucks fans, Näslund was known for his offensive skills, particularly his wrist shot—a lightning-quick release that left goalies frozen—and his slick stickhandling that made defenders look like pylons. After a quiet start in Pittsburgh, he was traded to Vancouver in 1996, where he spent 12 years, including a team-record 8 as captain. He led the Canucks in scoring for 7 seasons, was thrice first team All-Star (2002, 2003, 2004), a Lester B. Pearson Award recipient in 2003, and runner-up for the Hart, Art Ross, and Rocket Richard Trophies in 2003. He received the Cyclone Taylor Trophy as the Canucks' most valuable player five times and the Cyrus H. McLean Trophy as the leading point-scorer for seven consecutive seasons—both club records—en route to becoming the franchise leader in goals and points. In 2008, Näslund signed with the Rangers, where he spent one season before announcing his retirement from the NHL after 15 seasons. Midway through the 2009–10 season, he returned to play for Modo in his hometown before retiring a second time. In December 2010, he became the third Canucks player to have his jersey retired, joining Stan Smyl and Trevor Linden.

Reader's Guide

Näslund was born to Sture and Ulla Näslund on 30 July 1973 in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. The city has produced numerous NHL players, including Peter Forsberg, the Sedin twins, and Victor Hedman, earning it the nickname 'Hockeytown of Sweden.' Näslund grew up idolizing local legend Peter Forsberg and honed his skills on outdoor rinks where winter darkness forced him to develop an almost supernatural sense of the puck. He began his professional career with Modo Hockey, the same club that launched Forsberg and the Sedins, before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round (16th overall) of the 1991 NHL Entry Draft.

Did You Know?

• Näslund holds the World Junior record for most goals scored in a single tournament, scoring 13 in 1993—a mark that still stands today.
• He was runner-up for the Hart, Art Ross, and Rocket Richard Trophies in 2003, coming within a whisker of a triple crown.
• Näslund became the third Canucks player to have his jersey retired in December 2010, joining Stan Smyl and Trevor Linden.
• He was traded to Vancouver in exchange for Alek Stojanov, a deal regarded as one of the most lopsided in NHL history—Stojanov scored just 6 points in 45 games for Pittsburgh, while Näslund became a franchise icon.