Börje Salming Cause of Death

Borje Salming, a legendary NHL defenseman who helped pave the way for European-born players in North America, passed away on 24 November 2022.

Borje Salming died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in November 2022, after being diagnosed with the condition only four months prior. He was 71 years old.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, for whom Salming spent the majority of his career, issued a statement on Thursday, November 24 2022, to confirm his death.

“The Toronto Maple Leafs mourn the loss of Börje Salming,” said Brendan Shanahan, Leafs president and alternate governor. “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.

Salming’s decorated NHL career spanned 17 seasons between Toronto and Detroit from 1973 to 1990, totaling 1,148 games and 787 points. Salming, a two-time Norris Trophy runner-up, was the first Swedish-born player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996 and the IIHF Hall of Fame two years later.

In 2017, as part of its centennial celebrations, the NHL named Salming one of the ‘100 Greatest Players’ in league history.