Toronto Maple Leafs legend Borje Salming, who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1973 until 1990, has passed away at 71. News of the passing was announced Thursday afternoon.
Maple Leafs Legend Borje Salming Passes at 71
Statement from Maple Leafs President and Alternate Governor Brendan Shanahan on the passing of Börje Salming: pic.twitter.com/zguKOyVLmM
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) November 24, 2022
One of the highest scoring defencemen in Leafs history, Salming played for the Leafs during a dark time in their history. This was when infamous owner Harold Ballard ran the team into the ground.
Being one of the first European-born players to make an impact in the NHL, Salming notched 787 points in 1,148 games with both the Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings. Salming holds several records with Toronto. He holds all-time records for both goals and assists as a blueliner with 768 points and 148 goals. He also holds both the assist record (620) and the single-season assist record with 66.
Salming represented Sweden internationally. The decorated blueliner appeared in four IIHF world championships and three Canada Cups. He was a part of the Swedish team in 1992 Winter Olympics. Salming was inducted into the IIHF hall of fame in 1998. He was honoured in 2017 during the NHL’s 100th anniversary as one of the NHL’s top 100 players.
Salming’s Legacy
Salming has greatly impacted both the team and the fanbase by being one of the best European players in team history. He also opened the door for European players to make the jump to the NHL.
Salming also has his infamous number 21 retired by the Leafs. It was raised into the rafters in 2016 during the Leafs’ centennial anniversary. He was also recently honoured during a celebration this season by starting an all-Swedish line and having star William Nylander, who represents Sweden in international events, greet Salming at centre ice.
From all of us here at Last Word On Sports, we send our condolences to the Salming family.
Hall of Fame defenceman Borje Salming dies at 71 https://t.co/2cDg9EFHoy pic.twitter.com/9gBUM86oNn
— Globe Sports (@Globe_Sports) November 24, 2022
