Toronto, Ontario (My Sportsbook) - Markus Naslund was named the recipient of the 2003 Lester B. Pearson Award on Thursday as the most outstanding player during the regular season. The award, which was presented at the Hockey Hall of Fame, is given by voters of the National Hockey League Players' Association.

The 29-year-old winger beat out Colorado center Peter Forsberg and Boston centerman Joe Thornton for the honor. Naslund is the first Swedish born player and the first Vancouver Canuck to capture the honor.

Naslund, who just completed his 10th NHL season, finished second in the league for the scoring title with 104 points (48 goals, 56 assists), trailing only Forsberg, who led all of hockey with 106 points in the regular season. Naslund also tallied a game-high 12 game-winning goals and 54 powerplay points.

Vancouver lost to the Minnesota Wild in seven games in the Western Conference semifinals.

The Pearson Award, which was named after Canada's former prime minister, has been given out annually since the 1970-71 campaign when Phil Esposito was the first winner. Since then, Wayne Gretzky has captured the honor as best player a record five times.

Naslund is also nominated for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the NHL's most valuable player. Martin Brodeur of the Stanley Cup-champion New Jersey Devils, along with Forsberg are the other two nominees for the award, which is voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.