Mats Näslund, a Swedish ice hockey player, became a well-known figure in the National Hockey League (NHL) and international hockey during his career. Born on October 31, 1959, in Timrå, Sweden, Näslund began his professional career with Brynäs IF in the Swedish Elitserien. His skill and agility on the ice quickly caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the 1979 NHL Entry Draft.
Näslund joined the Canadiens for the 1982-83 season, bringing a European flair to the team. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches, he was often considered undersized for the NHL, yet his speed and playmaking abilities compensated for his stature. During his rookie season, Näslund scored 71 points in 74 games, demonstrating his ability to adapt to the North American style of play.
Throughout his tenure with the Canadiens, Näslund was known for his offensive prowess. The 1985-86 season was particularly remarkable, as he became the first European player to lead the Canadiens in scoring, amassing 110 points. His performance was instrumental in helping Montreal secure the Stanley Cup that year. Näslund's contributions were recognized with the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 1988, awarded for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.
In addition to his NHL career, Näslund represented Sweden in international competitions. He played a crucial role in Sweden's victory at the 1991 World Championships, where the team secured the gold medal. Näslund also participated in the Canada Cup tournaments, further showcasing his skills on the international stage.
After leaving the NHL in 1990, Näslund returned to Europe, joining HC Lugano in Switzerland for a brief period before playing for Malmö IF in Sweden. His leadership and experience were invaluable to Malmö, and he helped guide the team to a Swedish championship in 1992.
Näslund made a brief return to the NHL during the 1994-95 season, signing with the Boston Bruins. Although his time with the Bruins was short, he continued to demonstrate his skill and experience on the ice.
🏒