Legendary Toronto Maple Leafs Defenseman Passes Away
The Toronto Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan made a statement after legendary defenseman Borjie Salming passed away:
The Toronto Maple Leafs mourn the loss of Börje Salming Börje 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.
Börje 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.
Börje 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.
Borjie Salming was 71 years old and spent the majority of his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs until 1989.
Salming is credited with helping to create a path for Swedish players in NHL, after joining the league in 1973 and destroying the outdated consensus that European players lacked the grit to make it in the NHL.
Salming had a storied NHL career playing three consecutive All-Star Games in 1976, 1977, and 1978 and the second All-Star Team in 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979 and 1980.
Salming's NHL totals are: 1,148 career games with the Maple Leafs and Red Wings, posting 150 goals and 787 points.
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