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Mats Naslund |
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| Born October 31, 1959 in Timra, Sweden. Forward. Small in stature but big on skill, Mats Naslund delighted hockey fans throughout his career which began in his hometown with the Timra IF club. In 1978, he signed on with Brynas IF and won one national title, in 1980, during the four seasons he starred for the team. He was more than ready when the Montreal Canadiens came calling, spending eight solid seasons, from 1982-83 until 1989-90, with one Stanley Cup title and the Lady Bing Trophy as the NHLs Most Gentlemanly Player, to his credit. Naslund also was a NHL Second Team All Star in 1985-86 and played in three NHL All Star Games. In the 1990-91 season, it was off to Switzerland with Lugano, before Naslund returned to Sweden and suited up for Malmo IF leading the team to two championships in the three seasons he was there. Naslunds last season, 1994-95 was back in the NHL with Boston where he competed a career that saw him garner nearly a point a game 634 in 651 NHL games and perhaps more importantly 92 points in 102 career playoffs games. Naslunds scoring prowess was equally impressive looking back on his Swedish totals, scoring 130 goals and 295 points in 323 league games. Internationally, Naslund participated in three IIHF U20 Championship tournaments from 1977 79 helping Sweden to a silver and a bronze medal. He also made three Canada Cup and three Olympic appearances, winning an Olympic bronze medal in 1980, and a gold in the 1994 event, as well as starring for the Tre Kronors in five IIHF World Championship tournaments, highlighted by the 1991 event when Sweden skated away with the gold medal. |
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