Try to give Naslund his due

Toul Box by Scott Rintoul

Published: November 20, 2008 5:26 a.m.

Last modified: November 20, 2008 2:27 a.m.

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There’s no middle ground when the subject of Markus Naslund is raised in this city.

He’s either viewed as one of the most talented players in Canucks’ history or as a once productive winger who should never have been named captain.

Those who subscribe to the latter cite his inability to guide the Canucks to the Stanley Cup, his decreased offensive production following the NHL lockout, and his lack of visible emotion in a game known for it.

The truth of the matter is Naslund left Vancouver as the franchise leader in goals and points, was voted by his NHL peers as the league’s most valuable player in 2002-03, and played a big part in putting people back in the seats at GM Place after the team had fallen out of favour in the late ’90s. It should also be noted that all of his former teammates have gone to bat for him when asked about his captaincy here in Vancouver, and he was a very productive member of this community outside of his profession on ice. You don’t have to be a Naslund fan to realize that he did far more good than bad in this city.

• If you want to take a trip down memory lane, head to the Pacific Coliseum tomorrow night for Stanley Cup Legends night. Not only will former greats Yvon Cournoyer, Johnny Bower, Gerry Cheevers, Dave (the Hammer) Schultz, and Steve Shutt be on hand for the game between the Giants and Blazers, the home squad will also be decked out in throwback Vancouver Millionaires jerseys. Oh yeah, the Stanley Cup will also be on display for your viewing pleasure. Want to weigh in? Email me at scott.rintoul@team1040.ca.