Borje Salming
Borje Salming was the first European player to become a star in the NHL. Signed by Toronto after the 1973 World Championships, the native of Kiruna, Sweden, was forced to endure taunts and physical abuse from opponents after breaking into the NHL with the Maple Leafs in 1973-74, but went on to become one of the top defensemen in the league over 17 seasons. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996.
Salming excelled at blocking shots, and was a strong skater who could rush the puck effectively and set up plays. He established a Maple Leafs record by being named to the NHL All-Star Team for six straight seasons from 1974-75 to 1979-80, and was the runner up to Larry Robinson in Norris Trophy voting in 1976-77 and 1979-80. In his early years in Toronto, the Maple Leafs were an improving team that seemed on the verge of becoming one of the NHL's best, but during the 1980s Salming was the star attraction on a dismal club. When he left Toronto after the 1988-89 season, he was the Maple Leafs' all-time leader in goals, assists and points by a defenseman. He ranks first overall in franchise history with 620 assists, and trails only Darryl Sittler and Dave Keon with 768 points. Salming played his final NHL season in 1989-90 as a member of the Detroit Red Wings.
Salming spent three years in the Swedish Elite league on either side of his NHL career. He also represented Sweden internationally before, during and after his 17 years in the NHL.
-- courtesy
Total Hockey: Second Edition, edited by Dan Diamond, James Duplacey, Ralph Dinger, Ernie Fitzsimmons, Eric Zweig
Borje Salming - Statistics
Defense
Born: April 17 1951 in Kiruna, Sweden
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 185
NHL Totals
Regular Season
GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
1148 | 150 | 637 | 787 | 1344 |
Playoffs
GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
81 | 12 | 37 | 49 | 91 |
More Hockey:
Limited Edition Prints from The SPORT Collection
