Markus Naslund To Hang Up the Blades?

Even though 35 year-old Markus Naslund began his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, this 15 year veteran will always be remembered for his glory years as a Vancouver Canuck.

Naslund, who according to The New York Post has decided to retire, will go down in history as being part of, arguably, the most lopsided deal in NHL history.

Drafted 16^thoverall by the Penguins in 1991, this forward who played just under three years in Pittsburgh, was shipped, on March 26, 1996 to the Canucks for forward Alex Stojanov, who ended up to have only a brief stint in the NHL.

Meanwhile, Naslund produced throughout his 11 year tenure in Vancouver. He left last summer seeded number one in various offensive categories, including goals (346), points (756), power play goals (114), and game winning goals (49).

This quiet superstar, who signed with the New York Rangers last summer, came of age as a player in the 2002-2003 season when he enjoyed a breakout year with 48 goals and 104 points.

That same year, this native of Ornskoldsvik, Sweden was voted the Lester B. Pearson Award Winner, which players say is the highest individual award.

During his time in Vancouver, Naslund’s production was always consistent, as he scored 40 or more goals in three straight seasons.

“He was a player with great offensive instincts and he knew where the back of the net was,” said former Rangers’ coach, Tom Renney, who coached Naslund in New York during the first half of this past season.

“He might have had his best moments in Vancouver, playing with Todd Bertuzzi and Brendan Morrison, but he certainly added to a very dry offence in New York .”

After seeing his numbers decline in the four straight seasons since winning the Pearson, whispers were being heard that perhaps Naslund, at 34 years of age, was starting to slow down.

No comment has come from the Rangers front office.

In his career, Naslund has scored 395 goals and 869 points in 1,117 games. If this report is correct, and he does leave, then the Rangers could save four million in cap space next season.