Borje Salming was the first European-born player to play in the NHL. He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, orALS, earlier this year.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, for whom Salming played the bulk of his career, announced his death on Thursday.
The president and alternate governor of the Toronto Maple Leafs said they were mourning the loss of Brje. Brje was a pioneer of the game and an icon. Through his contributions to the community and his play on the ice, he defined himself as a European in the NHL.
Brje has been a part of the hockey family for 50 years. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
He played in the NHL for 17 seasons between Toronto and Detroit and had 1,148 games and 800 points. Two years after becoming the first Swedish-born player to be in the Hockey Hall of Fame, he entered the IIHF Hall of Fame. He was an NHL first team All Star in 1977 and a five-time NHL second team All-Star.
For 16 of his 17 NHL campaigns, 'The King' of Toronto was patrolling the Maple Leafs' blueline with a physical and tough style that flew in the face of stereotypes that Swedish-bred skaters like himself were too soft to make it in the NHL. When McNamara spotted him playing overseas in 1973, he immediately made an impression. McNamara went to Sweden to look for Hammarstrom, but ended up signing him to a free agent contract.
In Toronto, the defender became a fan favorite. The first European-born player to reach 1,000 games was Salming. The Red Wings signed him to a one-year free agent deal. His No. 21 has been retired by the organization after he was the leader in assists and points in Toronto.
The hockey community was devastated to hear of his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. There are cells in the brain and spine that are affected by the disease. His health quickly deteriorated after he began experiencing symptoms in February. He said last month that he had lost his ability to speak.
His resolve remained intact despite the illness attacking his body. He was going to attend the Hall of Fame weekend in Toronto when three more Swedish players were going to be in. The Maple Leafs paid tribute to him before their game against the Canadians. An overcome Salming came to the ice surrounded by family to take in the applause. All six of Toronto's Swedish-born players were in the starting lineup, and the ceremonial puck drop was done by Oliver Ekman-Larsson and WilliamNylander.
It was the second event in a row where he was honored. The night before, at the annual Hall of Fame game between Toronto and Pittsburgh, Salming was helped to the ice by a teammate who broke down in tears. During a meeting with Sittler in September, he said he wanted to be in Toronto this weekend for the Swedish-born Daniel Alfredsson, along with his brothers Daniel and Daniel.
It was possible for European-bred players of today to thrive in the North American realm because of the pioneer work done by the man.
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