Leafs honor Salming with touching ceremony, all-Swedish starting lineup
The Toronto Maple Leafs showed Borje Salming some love for the second night in a row Saturday with another emotional tribute before their 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks.
The Leafs recognized the trailblazer one night after honoring him ahead of the Hall of Fame game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Toronto iced an all-Swedish starting lineup in a clear nod to Salming, who was diagnosed with ALS in August.
Leafs starting their six Swedes the night they honour franchise icon Borje Salming. 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/pm6z836cQk
— Joshua Clipperton (@JClipperton_CP) November 13, 2022
The Leafs then acknowledged the legendary former defenseman with a video tribute, and the fans followed with a standing ovation.
"Tonight, Borje has come home." 💙
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 13, 2022
A beautiful and well-deserved moment for Borje Salming, as the @MapleLeafs honoured him prior to tonight's game against Vancouver. pic.twitter.com/lV5Z7oOu4N
The 71-year-old made the trip overseas for the Hall of Fame weekend despite suffering from the illness.
Salming was one of the most productive blue-liners of his era, paving the way for future generations of Swedish players to make the jump to the NHL.
He still holds several franchise career records, including most goals and points by a defenseman and most assists by any player. The Hockey Hall of Fame inducted Salming in 1996, and the Maple Leafs retired his number in 2016.
Toronto rallied to beat the Canucks on Saturday night, overcoming an early two-goal deficit. Jordie Benn scored the eventual winner and his first goal with the Maple Leafs in his debut with the club.