Rangers forward Naslund hangs up skates after 15 seasons
NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Rangers forward Markus Naslund ended his 15-year career in the NHL when he announced his retirement on Monday.
"I would like to sincerely thank (general manager) Glen Sather and the New York Rangers for giving me the opportunity this past season in New York," Naslund said in a statement.
"I would also like to thank the Vancouver Canucks and all of their fans for their support over the 11-plus seasons I was a part of their organization, as well as to the Pittsburgh Penguins where I began my NHL career."
Taken in the first round of the 1991 NHL draft by Pittsburgh, Naslund spent his first three seasons with the Penguins but was traded to Vancouver in 1996 and spent the next 11 seasons with the Canucks, including seven as team captain.
The five-time all-star signed as free agent with the Rangers prior to last season and played all 82 games, scoring 24 goals and amassing 46 points.
It marked the 10th consecutive campaign the Swede had scored 20 or more goals in a season. Over his 15 seasons, Naslund scored 395 goals and 474 assists.
The 35-year-old enjoyed his best season in 2002-03, winning the Lester B. Pearson award as the most outstanding player in the NHL as voted by his peers and finishing as the Hart trophy runner-up as league MVP.
(Writing by Steve Keating in Toronto. Editing by John O'Brien)
