Maple Leafs legend Borje Salming passes away at 71

Some sad news to report on in the hockey world on Thursday. The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that legendary defenceman Borje Salming as passed away at the age of 71.

Salming was diagnosed with ALS during the summer and his condition deteriorated over the last few months. Thankfully, he was able to travel to Toronto one final time during the Hockey Hall of Fame weekend earlier in November and last week he was named to Sweden's all-time lineup to honour their 100th anniversary.

The Kiruna native was a trailblazer for Swedish hockey and disproved the stereotype that Swedes were 'soft'. He came over to North America in 1973 for his rookie season with the Maple Leafs and went on to play 17 years in the NHL for Toronto and Detroit, recording 787 points in 1,148 games.

Our thoughts are with the Salming family at this difficult time.

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

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