STOCKHOLM — It's been nearly a year since Toronto Maple Leafs legend Borje Salming died. Now the Hall-of-Fame defenseman is further immortalized as the NHL Alumni Association introduced a new award in his honor.
The 'Borje Salming Courage Award is presented annually to a European NHL Alumni member who has positively influenced their community and best embodies Borje's lasting legacy of bravery, courage and dedication both on and off the ice.
The Alumni announced former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom as the inaugural winner in a ceremony earlier on Thursday.
“We are honoured to have Nicklas Lidstrom as our inaugural recipient of this award. Borje Salming’s impact in Sweden and Europe as a whole cannot be overstated. He paved a path for generations of international players to follow and achieve their dreams of playing in the National Hockey League,” said Glenn Healy, NHL Alumni Association Executive Director in a statement. “Nicklas is a true representation of what this award is all about. From supporting youth hockey initiatives to a ‘no ego’ attitude on and off the ice, he perfectly represents this award and the legacy behind it.”
Salming passed away on Nov. 24, 2022, after a battle with ALS, a disease he was diagnosed with earlier in the calendar year. he was the first European-born and trained player with 1,000 games played and still holds the career record for most goals, assists and points by a Leafs defenseman and was named as part of the 100 Greatest NHL Players. “The King”, as he was named by his teammates, was the first Swedish player and second European-born and trained player to be named to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996. His No. 21 was retired by the Maple Leafs on October 15, 2016.
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