Markus Naslund

At 50 years old, Markus Naslund has this physical status:

Markus Sten Näslund (born July 30, 1973) is a Swedish retired ice hockey player and former general manager for Modo Hockey of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL, formerly named Elitserien).

He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers, as well as in the Elitserien with Modo Hockey.

Nicknamed "Nazzy" by Canucks fans and "Macke" or "Mackan" in his native Sweden, he was known for his offensive skills, particularly his wrist shot and stickhandling. After playing junior hockey within the Modo organization, Näslund turned professional with the club's Elitserien team in 1990–91.

Selected in the first round, 16th overall by the Penguins in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, he joined the NHL in 1993–94.

After his tenure with Pittsburgh, Näslund was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 1996, where he spent 12 years, including a team record 8 as captain.

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.

In 15 NHL seasons, Näslund was thrice First Team All-Star, chosen in 2002, 2003 and 2004, and a Lester B. Pearson Award recipient (now known as the Ted Lindsay award), winning in 2003.

He was the runner-up for the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2003.

Midway through the 2009–10 season, he returned to play for Modo 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. Internationally, Näslund has competed with the Swedish national team in two European Junior Championships, two World Junior Championships, four World Championships, two World Cups and one Winter Olympics.

He holds the World Junior record for most goals scored in a single tournament, scoring 13 in 1993, while also winning back-to-back silver medals at the competition.

In World Championship play, he won a silver medal in 1993 and two bronze medals in 1999 and 2002.

On April 21, 2014, Näslund was inducted into the Swedish Hockey Hall Of Fame.

Early life

Näslund was born to Sture and Ulla Näslund on 30 July 1973 in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. The city has produced numerous NHL players, including childhood friend and future Modo Hockey teammate Peter Forsberg, as well as Victor Hedman and future Canucks teammates Henrik and Daniel Sedin.

Growing up idolizing Swedish NHL and Elitserien star Håkan Loob, he played most of his organized hockey at an outdoor rink in his neighbourhood during his youth. At age 14, Näslund competed with the regional all-star team from Ångermanland, helping the squad win a national under-16 championship at TV-pucken in 1988. He received the Sven Tumba Award as the tournament's best forward.

Born within 10 days of each other, Näslund and Forsberg became well-acquainted while playing on separate youth teams. They went on to join the Ångermanland team together, before competing on the same side at the junior and senior levels for Modo Hockey and the Swedish national team. They attended high school together and had summer jobs at the age of 18 with the same electrical company that employed both Näslund's mother and Forsberg's father, Kent.

Source

Playing career

In Sweden's third-tier men's league, Näslund spent a season with rnskölds SK in Sweden's third-tier men's league at age 15. He appeared in 14 games, scoring 7 goals and 13 points. Näslund played for hockey in Sweden's top-level junior league, the J20 SuperElit, where he and Peter Forsberg skated together on one of the best lines in the league, in 1989–90. Modo and the pair helped Modo win the junior championships for the second time. In 1990-91, Näslund's professional team joined Modo's Modo's Elitserien, Sweden's top league, after a season of junior. The Modo equipment manager assigned him the 19 jersey number 19, which Näslund later decided to wear with the Swedish national team he played for. In his rookie season, he scored 10 goals and 19 points, a record for a 17-year-old in the league, before Robert Nilsson scored 21 in 2002-03.

In the 1991 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Näslund was drafted 16th overall, 16th overall. Craig Patrick, the team's general manager, praised Näslund and Forsberg as the draft's top two prospects behind first-overall pick Eric Lindros. He compared Näslund to Los Angeles Kings' Tomas Sandström, although he did not consider him a player at all, and later stated that he was a more natural goal-scorer than Penguins forward Jaromr Jágr, who had just completed his rookie season with the club.

For two years, Näslund lived in Sweden with Modo, a team-leading 39 points in 1991–92. He hit that number in the previous season before assisting Modo in the Elitserien playoffs' quarterfinals.

Modo's deal came to an end on March 30, 1993, and he hadn't fully agreed to the Penguins until the 1992-1993 season. He was eligible to free agency within the league as a result of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the NHL and NHL Players Association (NHLPA), which was effective on July 1st. However, a tense deal between the league and Swedish ice hockey officials demanded that he sign an NHL deal before June 30th in order to leave Sweden. With the deadline approaching, Näslund filed a federal lawsuit against the NHL, arguing that their deal with Swedish officials would not undermine his rights as a player under the CBA. The case was heard before a federal judge in Newark, New Jersey, who ruled in favour of Näslund on June 29. The NHL-Swedish deal, according to league president and lawyer Gil Stein, did not extend to Näslund because he was not under contract with any Swedish team.

On July 1, Näslund became a restricted free agent for Group 4 restricted. Due to the Penguins' apparent promise from the Penguins team to exercise their right to match, he did not get any invitations from other teams. Näslund and the Penguins agreed to a three-year contract on September 9, 1993, worth approximately US$1.8 million per year, with a $750,000 signing bonus.

Näslund was with the Penguins from 1993-94. Bryan Trottier, his Modo jersey number 19, was incorrectly selected for number 19 instead. He appeared in his first NHL game against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 5th. During a match against the Quebec Nordiques five days later, he scored his first NHL point, an assist. In a 3–3 tie against the St. Louis Blues, his first NHL goal was scored against him the following month. In the first period of the powerplay against goaltender Curtis Joseph, Doug Brown and Marty McSorley assisted, and the goal was achieved. Näslund struggled with himself upon entering the league and was admittedly dissatisfied with himself. He was promoted to the Cleveland Lumberjacks' International Hockey League (IHL) affiliate as a result. In 71 games, he had four goals and seven assists in his rookie season. Despite the fact that the Penguins qualified for the 1994 playoffs, Näslund did not participate in post-season play, was made a healthy scratch (non-dressing player), and watched as Washington defeated Pittsburgh in the first round.

He continued to split playing time between the NHL and IHL during the 1994–95 labour war. He scored two goals and four points in 14 games with Pittsburgh, while his opponent, Cleveland, only scored seven points in seven games. Despite Penguins qualifying, he did not appear in the NHL playoffs for the second straight season. In comparison, he was sent to Cleveland for their playoff season, in which he had four points in four games. At one point during the season, he was irritated by his continued demotions to the IHL, and he asked to be transferred from Pittsburgh.

In his third training camp with the Penguins, Näslund was impressed, and he was in his third training camp with the Penguins, which was held before the 1995–96 season. He was branded "Mr. September" in the media, referring to his ability to show promise before the season began. Näslund had a chance to play a more prominent part with the team in 1995–96 thanks to Kevin Stevens and Luc Robitaille's departures from the Penguins. Jaromr Jágr Jágr Jágr and center Ron Francis during preparation camp before being moved to the first line with Mario Lemieux. He made a big leap in 29 games, leading off the season with 36 points. In a 7–2 win over the Ottawa Senators on November 28, he earned his first NHL hat-trick. However, his line slowed later this season; he was scratched on several occasions and was demoted to the third and fourth lines by February.

He was the object of trade rumors in the final year of his Pittsburgh employment. The Edmonton Oilers were rated as the most likely candidate to deal with Näslund by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. However, on 19 March 1996, he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for forward Alek Stojanov. After Näslund demonstrated his full offensive potential later in his career, the agreement would be considered one of the most lopsided trades in NHL history. Stojanov, who had been drafted eight spots ahead of Näslund in the 1991 Draft, went on to play 45 games for the Penguins, scoring two goals and four assists. He played in minor leagues and retired before age 29, while Näslund would play 884 games with the Canucks in 12 seasons.

Following the trade against the Dallas Stars, Näslund made his debut with the team two days later. The Canucks gave him number 19 as his favable jersey number 19 was already being worn on the team by Tim Hunter. In his first nine games with his new club, Näslund earned a hat-trick in the last game of the regular season, a 5–0 win over the Calgary Flames on April 13, 1996. The Canucks were eligible for the 1996 playoffs thanks to their victory. He played for 76 games between Pittsburgh and Vancouver in the regular season, with a combined 22 goals and 55 points over 76 games. As the Canucks defeated the Colorado Avalanche in the first round, Näslund appeared in his first NHL playoffs. In the series's last game of the series, he scored his first NHL playoff goal in his career, leading the scoring against goaltender Patrick Roy on the powerplay. In six games, Colorado defeated Vancouver 3–2 to defeat Vancouver. For three points in total, Näslund had two assists along the route of the series.

He was re-signed by the Canucks on August 8, 1996, during the off-season. As Hunter left the team, Näslund reverted his jersey number 19 from his time with Modo. He played 21 goals and 41 points in his first full season with the Canucks. The Canucks didn't qualify for the playoffs this season, and they did not return to the playoffs until 2001. Canucks head coach Mike Keenan scratched a healthy Näslund during the 1997–98 season, causing him to demand a trade once more. He had 14 goals and 34 points in over 76 games this year.

Näslund emerged as the Canucks' offensive leader during the campaign. Alexander Mogilny and Todd Bertuzzi, as well as Pavel Bure's absence, resulted in Näslund receiving more ice time. During a 4–1 victory over the Dallas Stars on December 5, 1998, he earned his third hat-trick in NHL history. He was invited to his first NHL All-Star Game in January 1999, which was held in mid-season. He went on to win the Cyclone Taylor Trophy as the Canucks' Most Valuable Player, his first of five appearances during his time with Vancouver, as well as his first of two of the team's annual Most Exciting Player Awards (he received his second award two years later). In the off-season, he was re-signed by the Canucks to a three-year, $7.2 million contract.

Näslund was named team captain on September 15, 2000, during the Canucks' 2000-01 training camp in Sweden. Mark Messier, who had been released as a free agent to the New York Rangers, was recalled as the first European-born captain in Canuck history. Messier has been cited as his greatest playing influence, as Näslund has participated with him over the past three seasons. Näslund continued to develop offensively in his first year as team captain and was named to his second NHL All-Star Game, which was held in February 2001. He sustained a broken leg against the Buffalo Sabres on March 16, 2001, with ten games remaining in the season. He was struck by Sabres defencemen Jay McKee and Rhett Warrener at the same time in the third period, suffering awkwardly on his right leg. For the remainder of the season, Näslund was mainly housebound, as he required surgery to restore broken tibia and fibula bones. His 41 goals at the time of the injury were ranked third in the league, while his 75 points ranked in 11th place. As a result, he received his first three Viking Awards, which were given to the best Swedish player in the NHL. The Canucks ended the season with the eighth and final seed in the Western Conference, but they were eliminated in the first round by the Colorado Avalanche in four games.

The Canucks' return to the playoffs marked a turning point in the team's triumph. Näslund was a keystone for a new core that included Bertuzzi, Brendan Morrison, Ed Jovanovski, and Mattias hlund, following a rebuilding period in the late 1990s under top point-scorers Messier, Bure, and Mogilny. With this group of players as his "fondest memory" in the NHL, he recalls "growing[ing] up together in the early 2000s.

Näslund, a three-year veteran, has been re-signed by the Canucks to a three-year deal, marking his last year in the game. He spent the off-season repairing his leg, which was tied with a titanium rod and screws after surgery at his private gym in rnsköldsvik. He recovered from his injury in 2001-02 and finished second in the league, behind Jarome Iginla. The 2001–2002 campaign marked the start of what was widely considered the most efficient line pairing in the league for many seasons. When head coach Marc Crawford replaced center Andrew Cassels with Brendan Morrison during a game on January 9, 2002, Näslund and Bertuzzi already had a tandem as wingers on the Canucks' top line for more than two seasons. The three passengers were dubbed the "West Coast Express," after Vancouver's commuter rail service of the same name.

The unveiling of Näslund's new line coincided with an eight-goal, 21-point effort in January 2002, earning him NHL Player of the Month awards. In an 8–5 victory over the North American team, he was later selected to represent the World Team in Los Angeles. He scored the game-winning goal in an 8–5 victory. For the second year in a row, the Canucks were seeded eighth seed in the Western Conference for the eighth straight year, resulting in a first-round match-up with the Detroit Red Wings. It was Näslund's first appearance in the postseason after he first played with the Canucks in 1996. Vancouver was confined to a goal and an assist after the Vancouver team was defeated by a Detroit side captained by legendary Steve Yzerman and backstopped by perennial All-Star and future Hall of Fame candidate Dominic Hasek. Despite winning the first two games of the season, the Canucks lost in six games. In the off-season, Näslund was named as the league's top left-winger by the league's top left-winger. In addition, he came in fifth in the Hart Memorial Trophy rankings.

With the West Coast Express line running for a full season, Näslund finished second in both categories in 2002-03, placing second in the league in both categories. In addition, he led the league with 54 powerplay points and 12 game-winning goals. Bertuzzi had 97 points in his career, placing fifth in league scoring, while Morrison tallied 71 points. The three players played together for 55% of the Canucks' 264 goals.

During the second period of a 5–2 victory over the San Jose Sharks on October 21, 2002, the Näslund scored three goals in a seven-minute span for his eighth career NHL hat-trick. In a 6–3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on December 14, he scored his career-high four goals, tying a Canucks record for most goals in a single game. Näslund scored a goal in the first shootout in All-Star Game history in February 2003, helping the Western Conference beat the Eastern Conference 6–5. Bertuzzi, Ed Jovanovski, and head coach Marc Crawford were among three other Canucks named in the All-Star squad, as Bertuzzi, Ed Jovanovski, and head coach Marc Crawford. For the first time in nearly ten years, Crawford paired Näslund on a line with Peter Forsberg, marking the first time in nearly ten years the two teams had collaborated together. In an 8-0 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers on February 14, 2003, Näslund had his second career-high game with a six-point night (one goal, five assists) later this month. The victory brought the Canucks' undefeated streak to 14 games. He was assisting in a 5-1 win over the Phoenix Coyotes in his 100th game of the season, making him the third Canuck to reach the plateau following Pavel Bure and Alexander Mogilny.

The Canucks lost the Northwest Division title to the Colorado Avalanche on the last day of the 2002-03 regular season to the Los Angeles Kings. Näslund had started the night as the league's best point and shooter, but Avalanche forward Peter Forsberg and Milan Hejduk followed him respectively, and the league's leading point – and goal-scorer – was defeated by Milan Hejduk and Näslund. Näslund said the team "choked" after the game. After losing the series three games to none, Vancouver defeated the St. Louis Blues in their first-round matchup in the 2003 playoffs. In the deciding game that would determine the Canucks' advance, Näslund scored a goal. The Canucks were eliminated in the next round after relinquishing a three-to-one series lead of their own against the Minnesota Wild. With a career-high 14 points in 14 games, Näslund led the playoffs.

As voted by the NHLPA, Näslund received the Lester B. Pearson Award (since renamed the Ted Lindsay Award), the league's best player in the offseason. He became the first Swedish-born winner of the award by defeating fellow award winners Forsberg and Boston Bruins center Joe Thornton, as well as the first Canucks player. During a lunch at the Hockey Hall of Fame, he was awarded the medal. As voted by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, Näslund was also a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy, which was given to the league's Most Valuable Player. He came in first runner-up to Forsberg, winning five first-place ballots out of 62, relative to Forsberg's 38. Martin Brodeur, the second runner-up of the New Jersey Devils, received 14 first-place ballots but less voting points than Näslund. Despite losing the Hart, The Hockey News named him as the league's Most Valuable Player of the Year. For the second time, Näslund was also honoured with both the Viking Award and First Team All-Star award.

For the sixth-straight year, Näslund led the Canucks in scoring for the sixth year in a row. His 84 points ranked him fourth in the league, while his 35 goals were seventh. His even-strength points ranked him in the league at 58 points. It was, however, the start of a gradual decline in offensive output for the remainder of his NHL career. In early December 2003, he was limited to only being out late due to a groin injury, but he returned to play all the Canucks' goals in a 4–3 overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday. He was named as the team captain for the Western Conference at the 2004 NHL All-Star Game in Minnesota at mid-season.

Näslund's Steve Moore got a head-check on February 16, 2004, during a match against the Colorado Avalanche. Moore hit a loose puck with his elbow and shoulder, causing him to stumble out a loose puck. He suffered a minor concussion that needed 13 stitches on his forehead and nose, and was suspended for three games, making him the league's best scorer at the time. He also suffered from a hyperextended elbow when he fell to the ice, which he continued to play with through the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. Moore's foul play went unpunished, and several Canucks players promised to exact revenge when the Canucks and Avalanche returned to play each other again on March 8. Todd Bertuzzi skated behind Moore in the third period of the game's third period, stabbed him in the head and pushed him to the ice. Moore sustained career-ending injuries, and Bertuzzi was suspended indefinitely by the league. Bertuzzi's Näslund's close friend was greatly affected by the incident, as subsequent lawsuits and public scrutiny severely harmed Bertuzzi's career. "It's still bothers me what Todd has to go through," Näslund said, "it all went too far."

Despite Bertuzzi's absence for the remainder of the season, the Canucks were able to capture the Northwest Division championship they had lost the previous season. Bertuzzi was upgraded by Matt Cooke on the top line. In the first round of the 2004 playoffs, the Canucks' division championship ranked them third in the Western Conference standings, pitting them against the sixth-placed Calgary Flames. The Canucks faced a one-goal deficit in the final minute of regulation time in the seventh and deciding game of the series between the two teams. With the Canucks having cut their goaltender for an extra attacker, Näslund stuckhandled the length of the ice past two defenders before firing the puck on goal. Miikka Kiprusoff, the goalkeeper for Calgary, saved the shot before Cooke scored on the rebound with six seconds remaining in the game. Despite the effort, Calgary boosted Vancouver's win by a minute-and-a-half in the subsequent overtime period on a powerplay goal. With nine points in seven games, Näslund led the playoffs.

He received his second consecutive and third Viking Award as a result of his service as well as his first team All-Star mention at the end of the year. Näslund had the most goals (123) and points (278) of any NHL player in the three seasons from 2001-02 to 2003-04.

He returned to play for Modo Hockey of the Elitserien in 2004-05 during the NHL labour war. Näslund made his return in mid-January in order to meet Canucks teammates Daniel and Henrik Sedin, as well as former Modo teammate Peter Forslund, who was on the squad. He had intended to sign with Modo before the season started in September, but after spending the summer in Sweden, he returned to Vancouver. Team 1040 of Vancouver cited high tax values as the cause of the decision, though Näslund later stated that he preferred to be on the NHL even if the league and NHLPA could come to a halt and the season was salvaged.

On January 20, 2005, he played his first game for Modo in nearly 12 years, earning a standing ovation from the home crowd. Näslund went on to play in 13 games, scoring 17 points. Modo finished in sixth place in the regular season before being eliminated by Färjestad BK in the first round of the playoffs.

Näslund became an unrestricted free agent as NHL play was set to resume in 2005-06 season. He re-signed with the Canucks for three years on the open market for several days on August 3, 2005, at $6 million per season. The Province of Vancouver revealed that two other clubs had extended the terms that he had agreed to, but Näslund decided to stay with the Canucks because the team had a good chance of winning the Stanley Cup. Näslund said he wanted to retire as a Canuck at the time.

He led the Canucks in scoring for the seventh straight season, with 32 goals and 79 points. Despite new NHL laws being implemented following the lockout that attempted to attract skilled players like Näslund and his linemates, the Canucks' top line saw less offensive production in 2005–06. In addition, the Canucks failed to make the playoffs for the first time in four years, finishing ninth in the Western Conference's ninth position, despite early-season hopes to be Stanley Cup contenders. As a result, significant improvements were made to the Canucks' staff in the off-season. Näslund, a longtime linemate, was traded to the Florida Panthers in exchange for goaltender Roberto Luongo, although Alain Vigneault updated Marc Crawford with a more defensive-minded coaching style. Crawford recalled the 2005-2006 season as a turning point in Näslund's role as the offensive leader, noting that Henrik and Daniel Sedin had surpassed him and Bertuzzi in this respect as the campaign progressed.

Näslund's points total continued to decrease despite major changes in the 2006-07 season. During the team's home-opener against the San Jose Sharks on October 14, he scored his 300th goal as a Canuck. Trevor Linden, a Canucks teammate, was credited with the franchise's highest all-time goals. On October 17, he defeated Linden with his 301st goal against the Edmonton Oilers. Näslund went through a 17-game stretch without a single goal at the midway point of the season. He ended the season with 60 points, his lowest output since 1997-98. Daniel Sedin led the team in scoring for the first time in eight seasons. Näslund's five points were added in the 2007 post-season before the team was eliminated by the Anaheim Ducks in the Conference Semifinals.

Näslund made more career debuts in 2007-08 than any other. With a three-goal game against the Minnesota Wild on November 21, 2007, Näslund tied the Canucks' franchise record of ten hat-tricks, a 4–2 victory over Vancouver. It was his first hat-trick since December 2003 and his 11th in his career. Several games later, Näslund became the Canucks' top point scorer, scoring on defenceman Mattias hlund's goal and passing Linden by 725 points. Näslund played his 1,000th game against the Detroit Red Wings on January 17, 2008, scoring a goal in a 3–2 shootout loss. Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who were on a line for the first time this season, had 25 goals and 55 points.

As Näslund's free agency opened on July 1, 2008, Näslund made it clear that the style of play and player personnel of a team would be vital in determining which team he will join after his time with the Canucks came to an end. He was admittedly dissatisfied with Vigneault's defensive coaching style. In addition, Vigneault's departure in the summer of 2006, Bertuzzi's return to Näslund placed the team in inconsistent line combinations, often with career minor-leaguers. Although he did not rule out the possibility of returning to Vancouver, he sold his Vancouver home and described his return as suspicious.

On July 3, 2008, Näslund signed a two-year, $8 million contract, plus a $1 million signing bonus. On signing, he revealed that New York was his desired destination going into a free agency. With 346 and 756 points, respectively, he left Vancouver as the franchise's all-time leader in goals and points. Stan Smyl's captaincy was also ended after his eight-year service as team captain, equaling Stan Smyl's record as the longest in franchise history. Mike Gillis, the Canucks' former manager, released a statement on behalf of the Canucks group, naming him as "one of the best players to ever represent the Canucks both on and off the ice."

Naslund wore #91 with the Rangers because his #19 had already been worn by Scott Gomez.

The Rangers held their training camp in Europe from 2008 to 2009, against Russian squad Metallurg Magnitogorsk on October 1, 2008. The Rangers won the game 4-3, winning the inaugural Victoria Cup. Näslund was named as an alternate captain for the Rangers on October 3rd. During the season-opener in Prague, Czech Republic, he scored his first goal as a Ranger, leading to a 2–1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Näslund led the team in scoring with 24 goals and was fourth in points with 46 goals in his first season with the Rangers. In the first round by the Washington Capitals, he was off by three points in the playoffs.

Following the Rangers' humiliation, he announced his retirement from the NHL on May 4, 2009, at the age of 35. Näslund's general manager Glen Sather, head coach John Tortorella, and his staff advised him of his decision to leave before the team's playoff elimination. Näslund forfeited a $2 million buyout from the Rangers early in the season, which would have counted against the team's salary cap for the following season if he had not been officially bought out. Näslund retired from the NHL second among all-time Swedish players with 395 goals (behind Mats Sundin's 564; he resigned the same year). His 869 points ranked fifth, ranked fifth, and his 1,117 games ranked fourth.

In the summer of 2009, Näslund and his family returned to Sweden. Peter Forsberg, who was trying to return to the NHL for the 2009–10 season, was playing with Modo and the Swedish national team for conditioning purposes. The Vancouver Canucks were one of the NHL teams to watch. Before the 2007–08 season, Näslund had attempted recruiting Forsberg to play for the Canucks, but there was no success. Forsberg's potential return to the NHL has weighed in on Forsberg's return, Näslund predicted that Forsberg would remain in Sweden to continue playing for Modo. Many days later, Canucks general manager Mike Gillis reported Näslund's rumors, claiming that Forsberg planned on finishing the season with Modo.

On the 17th of November 2009, Näslund revealed that he was going out of retirement to join Forsberg with Modo for the remainder of the 2009-2010 Elitserien season. He explained that although he did not want to play, both he and Forsberg wanted to save their former club from financial difficulties and a last-place finish in the league, facing potential relegation. Due to the large number of people visiting the site, the Modo web server crashed. Näslund and Forsberg, who is a board member of the club, will play without compensation.

On the 28th of November, Näslund played in his first game back with Modo, 11 days after the announcement, and he had an assist on the first goal of the game by Forslund. Modo beat Rögle BK 4–1. He had two assists in the game-tying goal with two seconds remaining in regulation by team captain Per Svartvadet and the overtime winner By Forsberg in December. In a 4–1 victory over HV71 on December 8, he scored his first goal since returning from HV71. In a 10–3 victory, he scored a hat-trick against Färjestad BK on February 27. With 10 goals and 19 assists, Näslund maintained their point-per-game speed in 29 of Modo's 55 games. Modo, who was ranked last in the league before Näslund's return, went on to score 58 points in the remaining 36 games of the season, but finished one point out of a playoff spot. Following the campaign, Näslund announced his second retirement.

The NHL and NHLPA paid tribute to Näslund with a medal and ceremonial puck drop ahead of a game between the San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets in Stockholm, Sweden, during the 2010-11 NHL season. Several months later, the Canucks retired his number 19 jersey ahead of a home game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 11, 2010. His wife, three children, parents, and sister, as well as former Canucks teammates, coaches, and executives were among the on-ice guests. The night featured a video tribute to his hockey career, speeches by team leaders, and gift presentations from the organization. The team also announced the establishment of a sports equipment center for underprivileged children in honor of Näslund and his wife's previous philanthropy in the Vancouver area. Näslund thanked those who have helped with his jersey raise ahead of his time. "Young hockey players from northern Sweden never dream of a night like this," he said, "young hockey players from northern Sweden never dream of a night like this." He became the third player in team history to be honoured after Stan Smyl and Trevor Linden by having his jersey retired.

Management career

On December 17, 2010, Näslund was named the general manager of the Modo group, which was in charge of all of the group's sports teams from 2010–11. The hockey team came last in the Elitserien in his first season with the organization, six points shy of a playoff appearance. Modo finished second in the 2011 Kvalserien, retaining their Elitserien status for the 2011-12 season despite relegation to the second-tier HockeyAllsvenskan.

Näslund was brought aboard by Peter Forsberg on Modo's leadership staff in the off-season. In April 2011, Forsberg was named Modo's assistant manager.

Source