Gotta See It: Borje Salming Drops Ceremonial Puck After Emotional Tribute By Maple Leafs

Unveiling the Legend: Borje Salming's Arrival

In the summer symphony of hockey, a crescendo echoed through Leafs Nation and the entire hockey world. The bombshell? Borje Salming, the iconic Maple Leaf for 16 seasons, had been dealt a formidable opponent: ALS, alias Lou Gehrig's disease. As the news rippled through the stands, we were reminded of the profound impact this Swedish dynamo had on the club and the game itself.

The European Invasion: A Swede in the Midst

Rewind to the 72/73 season, a time when the hockey landscape was as Canadian as a double-double at Tim Hortons. Enter Jerry MacNamara, a Leafs scout with an eye for revolution. His journey to Sweden marked the genesis of change, where a 22-year-old defenseman named Borje Salming caught his attention. Despite being tossed out of a game that fateful night, Borje's journey to Toronto began when MacNamara handed him a card and posed the question: "Do you want to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs?"

Borje arrived for training camp in the fall of '73, inheriting the prestigious number 21 from the legendary Bob Bond. MacNamara, awestruck by Borje's agility, likened him to Plasticman, a stretchable marvel that left everyone wondering, "Where do we get one of those?" Little did they know; this marked the dawn of the European invasion, a paradigm shift in the hockey narrative.

Triumph Amidst Turmoil: Borje Salming's Odyssey

Borje, despite enduring adversity that would make a lesser player flinch, shone brightly during his rookie season. The mid-70s, an era dominated by the Philadelphia Flyers and their notorious Broad Street Bullies, was a challenging time for any hockey player, especially an outsider like Borje. Recalling the brutality, he remarked, "It was tough because they really tried to kill you." In Sweden, he was seen as a fighter, but in North America, he was a "pussycat" compared to the NHL's beasts.

Enter Dave "The Hammer" Schultz, arguably one of the meanest Bullies and the newest Maple Leaf at the time. Even he couldn't help but appreciate Borje's prowess: "Who in hockey skates better than he does?" Schultz exclaimed. Borje's courage and bravery were unquestionable, a sentiment echoed by his teammate Lanny McDonald, who described him as a fierce competitor with more confidence and guts than the rest.

A Symphony of Ovations: Borje Salming's Canadian Love Affair

Fast forward to the first Canada Cup in 1976, where Borje, donning the Swedish colors, received a thunderous ovation from the Canadian crowd at Maple Leaf Gardens. The applause surpassed that of any other player, a testament to the universal language of hockey that transcends borders. Borje, a Swede on Toronto ice, became a symbol of unity, proving that sometimes, hockey knows no boundaries.

As Borje continued to etch his legacy with 16 seasons, playing 1,099 games, he became the highest-scoring defenseman in Leafs history, holding the club record for assists. Twice a runner-up for the Norris Trophy and a fixture on the All-Star team, Borje's impact extended beyond statistics. His teammate, Darrell Sittler, affirmed his greatness, asserting that Borje was up there with the very best.

The Immortal Legacy: Hall of Fame and Beyond

In 1996, the Hockey Hall of Fame welcomed Borje Salming into its hallowed halls. A decade later, his banner ascended to the rafters, and in 2015, a statue immortalized him on Legend's Row. For Borje, Toronto was more than a city; it was a second hometown, the mecca of hockey that always welcomed him with open arms.

Tonight, as we celebrate Borje's return home amidst cheers and applause, we acknowledge not only his hockey prowess but also the indomitable spirit that defined his journey. Number 21, Borje Salming, a legend who turned adversity into triumph, leaving an indelible mark on Leafs Nation and the entire hockey universe.

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