NHL Legend Makes Unexpected Career Change

A former NHL superstar revealed that he's working a completely different job overseas and has no intentions of returning to one of his former teams.

The Vancouver Canucks have wasted no time overhauling the front office and coaching staff since finishing with the NHL's worst record (25-49-8) this season. General manager Patrik Allvin and head coach Adam Foote were fired, and president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford announced his plans to step down and move into an advisory role following the draft.

Franchise icons Daniel and Henrik Sedin were named the co-presidents of hockey operations. Ryan Johnson was named the new GM, with Manny Malhotra (the head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks) promoted to bench boss.

During an appearance on "Donnie and Dhali", former Canucks captain Markus Naslund was asked about potentially returning to the organization. Naslund, however, emphasized that it's not on the table.

"No, I haven't (considered returning to the Canucks)," Naslund said. "Since I stepped away in 2014, I've done other things...I'm actually going to most likely join the Modo board again...but not as an active day-to-day management personnel guy."

When Don Taylor asked Naslund what he was up to now, the 52-year-old said he's now in the real estate business.

"I'm working in real estate now," Naslund said. "I'm working with municipalities, I'm working with design guides...working with budgets...It's been a big change from playing hockey."

Naslund was the GM of the Modo hockey team in Sweden from 2010 to 2014. He spent his final playing season there in 2009-10, recording 10 goals and 19 assists in 29 games.

Markus Naslund Captained the Canucks for Seven Seasons

Naslund took over as the captain of the Canucks in 2000-01, following the departure of Mark Messier. Naslund would hold the "C" for seven years, up until his departure in the 2008 offseason.

He was instrumental in helping the Canucks emerge as a powerhouse at the turn of the century. Naslund led Vancouver to the playoffs in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2007, tallying 756 points in 884 games with the franchise.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 3, 2026 at 6:00 AM.