The Toronto Maple Leafs have confirmed the terrible demise of Borje Salming, who was diagnosed with ALS earlier this year.
The 71-year-old earned an emotional ovation at Scotiabank Arena just 12 days ago, as he took part in a ceremonial puck drop as the Leafs met the Vancouver Canucks. Salming, a proud Swedish international, was flanked by his countrymen William Nylander and Oliver Ekman-Larsson at center ice.
Salming spent the entirety of his NHL career with the Leafs, who released the following statement to announce his passing: “The Toronto Maple Leafs mourn the loss of Borje Salming,” said Brendan Shanahan, President and Alternate Governor.
Salming spent the entirety of his NHL career with the Leafs, who released the following statement to announce his passing: “The Toronto Maple Leafs mourn the loss of Borje Salming,” said Brendan Shanahan, President and Alternate Governor.
Borje was a gaming pioneer and legend, known for his indomitable spirit and unquestionable tenacity. He paved the way for European players in the NHL and identified himself via his on-ice performance and community service. Borje joined the Maple Leafs 50 years ago and will always be a member of our hockey family. We send our heartfelt sympathies to his wife Pia, his children Theresa, Anders, Rasmus, Bianca, Lisa, and Sara, and his brother Stieg.
“Salming holds nearly every team record for Maple Leafs defensemen, including goals (148), assists (620), and points (768), and has been named to the NHL’s First or Second postseason All-Star Teams six straight years. In 2016, he was rated one of the best ten players in Maple Leafs history.
Soon later, he was named one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players during the league’s centennial celebration. In 1996, he was the first European-trained skater inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
The National Hockey League mourns the loss of Borje, a towering presence and transformative force in the sport’s history. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife Pia, his children Theresa, Anders, Rasmus, Bianca, Lisa, and Sara, all of whom marveled at his feats, and the numerous NHL players who stood on his shoulders.”
