The tragic passing of Toronto Maple Leafs legend Borje Salming has been confirmed by the organisation, after their much-loved former star was diagnosed with ALS earlier this year.
The 71-year-old received an emotional ovation at Scotiabank Arena just 12 days ago, as he took part in a ceremonial puck drop as the Leafs faced the Vancouver Canucks. Salming, a proud Swedish international was joined by fellow countrymen William Nylander and Oliver Ekman-Larsson at centre-ice.
Salming spent the majority of his NHL career with the Leafs, and they posted the following statement to announce his passing: "The Toronto Maple Leafs mourn the loss of Borje Salming," said Brendan Shanahan, Leafs president and alternate governor.
"Borje was a pioneer of the game and an icon with an unbreakable spirit and unquestioned toughness. He helped open the door for Europeans in the NHL and defined himself through his play on the ice and through his contributions to the community. Borje joined the Maple Leafs 50 years ago and will forever be a part of our hockey family. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Pia, his children Theresa, Anders, Rasmus, Bianca, Lisa and Sara and brother Stieg."
Salming enjoyed a fantastic NHL career, which saw him spend the majority of his time with the Leafs, but also with the Detroit Red Wings. The defenseman enjoyed 17 NHL seasons between 1973 and 1990, playing 1,148 games and scoring 787 points.
As stated by the Leafs, Salming was a pioneer for Swedish hockey - becoming the first Swedish-born player to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996. The league is now flooded with talent from his homeland, as he's helped inspire many generations.
Salming is a legend in his own right within the Leafs organisation, remaining franchise defensive leader in assists (620) and points (760). His iconic no.21 jersey was retired in his honour.
It was in August this year that Salming was diagnosed with ALS - a progressive disease of the nervous system. ALS affects cells in the brain and spinal cord and eventually leads to muscle control loss, something Salming originally began experiencing symptoms with in February.
Unfortunately, his health began to rapidly decline, and in the final month of his life he lost the ability to speak. Thankfully, Salming was given one final touching send off from the Leafs crowd, and tributes have since poured in from the entire hockey community.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has also paid tribute, as he said in a statement: "A superior all-around defenseman and the first Swedish star ever to play in the League, Borje Salming was as physically and mentally tough as he was skillfully gifted. He blazed the trail that many of the greatest players in NHL history followed while shattering all of the stereotypes about European players that had been prevalent in a League populated almost entirely by North Americans before his arrival in 1973.
"Salming owns nearly every franchise record for Maple Leafs defensemen – including, goals (148), assists (620) and points (768) – and was voted to the NHL’s First or Second postseason All-Star Teams six consecutive seasons. He was named one of the top 10 players in Leafs history in 2016.
"Soon after, he was selected one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players during the League’s Centennial celebration. In 1996, he became the first European-trained skater inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
"The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Borje, a towering presence and transformational figure in the game’s history. We send our deepest condolences to his wife Pia; his children, Theresa, Anders, Rasmus, Bianca, Lisa and Sara; all who marvelled at his exploits and the many NHL Players who stand on his shoulders."
