Though the late 1990s and early 2000s were known for being a defensive-minded era in the NHL (in contrast to the wide-open, high-scoring 1980s), it nevertheless still produced its share of elite offensive players. On opposite ends of North America, two European-born stars in Patrik Elias and Markus Naslund were franchise players for the New Jersey Devils and Vancouver Canucks, respectively, and each retired as the all-time franchise leader in career points (though Naslund has since been surpassed by the Sedin twins). Looking back on these two underrated and unassuming stars of the early 21st century, let us compare their careers and ask:
Who was better – Patrik Elias or Markus Naslund?
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