Forsberg takes home TSN's top honor
June 10, 2003 - By David Smith

NEW YORK, NY (AZ) -- In a league-wide vote by NHL players that was conducted by The Sporting News, Avalanche center Peter Forsberg was named TSN's 2003 NHL Player of the Year. Forsberg received 101 of a possible 263 votes. Canucks left wing Markus Naslund was a close second with 94.

"This is a great honor for me," Forsberg said. "I tried to be as consistent as I could all season long, and with the help of my linemates and teammates, I was able to accomplish this."

The Swedish superstar practically single-handedly put the Avalanche on his back en route to their record ninth straight division title, capturing the Art Ross Trophy.  Forsberg; with linemates Milan Hejduk and Alex Tanguay formed one of the most dangerous lines in the NHL last season, the trio combined for 105 goals, 166 assists, and 271 points. Forsberg also led all NHL players with 77 assists, 106 points, and was tied with teammate Milan Hejduk with a +52 plus-minus rating.

Forsberg was named to TSN's 1st-Team. Fellow defenseman Rob Blake, and right wing Milan Hejduk and were also honored, earning 2nd-Team accolades.
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David Smith is the publisher of Avalanche Zone, and can be reached at da.smith@attbi.com.