While not the very first to feature in the league, Salming became arguably the first European star of the game in North America and paved the way for players worldwide to make the move, leading to the significantly more diverse league seen today. The likes of Leon Draisaitl, Teemu Selanne, Nicklas Lidström, and even Mats Sundin may never have made it to the NHL had it not been for Salming and his immediate, and sustained impact. In his debut season, Salming finished as the second-highest scoring defenceman on the team with 39 (five goals, 34 assists).
From there, Salming forged a Hall of Fame career in Toronto as he was named a First-Team All-Star once, Second-Team All-Star five times and finished top ten in Norris Trophy voting through his first eight seasons in the NHL, finishing second twice. By the end of his time with the team, before playing a single season with the Detroit Red Wings in 1989-90 and returning to play three more seasons in his home country, Salming finished with 1099 games, sitting behind fellow legends Tim Horton and George Armstrong in the franchise’s all-time appearance list.
“Every player from Europe or outside of North America should thank Borje for paving the way for all of them to have the great chance to play this unbelievable game.” – Lanny McDonald on Hockey Central.
“He has meant so much to me personally but even more to Swedish hockey. He was one of the first to pave the way for us Swedes in the NHL in his way of playing. He was an amazing person, so caring, so humble, so warm. He will forever be missed.” – Nicklas Lidström to the Aftonbladet media outlet.
It’s difficult to truly quantify how much of an impact an individual can have on a sport, but it’s clear for any who enjoy the game that Salming is a genuine icon who helped alter the stigma of his time, allowing so many to follow in his footsteps and forge careers of their own in the NHL. Something that many players continue to be grateful for today. It’s unlikely that a player will have such an impact on the league again but if there is, there will always be the connection to Salming and what he truly meant to Toronto and the sport of hockey.
Rest in Peace, Börje, and thank you for all that you gave. You will be missed.