Toronto Maple Leafs | Börje Salming is no more

Legendary Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Börje Salming died at the age of 71 on Thursday, the team announced in a statement.

Salming, one of the greatest players of his generation and in team history, had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for quite some time.

“The Maple Leafs mourn the loss of Börje Salming,” Leafs president Brendan Shanahan said. He was a pioneer and an icon with unparalleled morale and unparalleled solidity. He helped open the door for European players in the NHL. He has defined himself in the eyes of the fans both for his game on the ice and his contribution to the community. Börje joined the Leafs 50 years ago and will always be part of our family. »

He had been honored just a few days ago during a very emotional ceremony, surrounded by elders. He then revealed to the hockey world the image of a weakened man, but still proud and strong.

The Hockey Hall of Famer was one of the first players from Europe to make an impact in the NHL. He is also credited with having paved the way for several other European stars.

“A versatile defenseman and the first Swedish star to play in the league, Börje Salming was as physically and mentally strong as he was gifted,” said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. He blazed a trail that many of the greatest players in NHL history followed while shattering all the stereotypes about European players that prevailed in a League populated almost exclusively by North Americans before his arrival in 1973.

“The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Börje, a commanding presence and a figure of change in the history of the sport. »

The native of Kiruna, Sweden, joined Toronto as a free agent in 1973. He spent the next 16 seasons with the Leafs, before ending his NHL career playing one season with the Detroit Red Wings. In the end, Salming amassed 150 goals and 787 points in 1148 games.

Salming ranks third in games played in Maple Leafs history, with 1,099. He also leads the team in assists, with 620, and fourth in career points, behind Mats Sundin , Darryl Sittler and Dave Keon. Its production places it at 18^e rank in NHL history for a defenseman.

In 1996, Salming was the first Swedish player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was also chosen as one of the 100 greatest players in NHL history for the league’s centennial in 2017. His number 21 was officially retired by the Leafs in 2016.

Impact

It was in August that Salming announced that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

“I don’t know how the days ahead will unfold, but I understand there will be challenges greater than anything I have ever faced,” Salming said at the time. I also know that there is no cure, but there are many trials going on around the world and there will be a cure one day.

“Since I started playing hockey as a little boy in Kiruna, and throughout my career, I have given everything. And I will do it again. »

Salming was honored earlier this month at a pre-game ceremony honoring this year’s Hall of Fame inductees – which included Swedes Henrik and Daniel Sedin and Daniel Alfredsson – before a game between the Maple Leafs and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The former defender was flanked by two other franchise icons, Darryl Sittler and Mats Sundin.

Tears streaming down his cheeks, Sittler lifted Salming’s arm so he could wave to the crowd.

The following night, Salming made one final appearance at center ice before a Leafs game against the Vancouver Canucks at Scotiabank Arena.

Salming, with his family by his side, received a standing ovation as a video of his exploits was released. Salming shook hands with everyone on the Maple Leafs as he slowly walked off the ice.

“Seeing how a guy like Börje has been welcomed by the fans and what he has done for this organization during his time here and what he still means to the city, I think that puts a lot of things into perspective for us. as players,” Leafs forward Auston Matthews said after the game.

With The Canadian Press