NHL star's emotional tribute to Borje Salming after tragic death has fans praising class - The Mirror

Borje Salming passed away on Thursday, and Swedish star William Nylander dedicated his game-winning goal to the Toronto Maple Leafs legend on Friday with an emotional tribute

It was an emotional night of NHL action on Friday, as fans, players and organisations mourned the death of Toronto Maple Leafs legend Borje Salming.

The much-loved Salming was diagnosed with ALS earlier this year, and died on Thursday after his health had rapidly declined. Salming was a pioneer for Swedish hockey, becoming the first player from the nation to make it to the NHL.

The Leafs fought hard for a 4-3 win against Minnesota Wild on Friday, with the players determined to put on a solid performance in light of Salming's passing. And it was written in the stars for Swedish star William Nylander to score the winning goal, and he dedicated it to Salming.

With a Swedish themed maple leaf stitched to his jersey, with the name of Borje in the front, Nylander slotted home in the third period and looked emotional as he celebrated. And after the game, the winger said: "That goal was for Borje."

The Leafs continued their recent form after they became the first side in 14 games to beat the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night. And that followed up that success with a fine win over the Wild, on a sad day of mourning for the hockey community.

It was only 14 days ago that Nylander met with Salming at centre ice, as the former Leafs star attended the Scotiabank Arena. Salming was the guest of honour and given a huge ovation by the crowd, and was joined by Swedish stars Nylander and Oliver Ekman-Larsson of the Vancouver Canucks.

It was Salming's last public appearance, and he was joined by his family out on the ice at Scotiabank Arena to share the moment. Salming spent the majority of his NHL career with the Leafs, and they announce his passing on Thursday with a statement.

"The Toronto Maple Leafs mourn the loss of Borje Salming," said Brendan Shanahan, Leafs president and alternate governor. "Borje 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. Borje joined the Maple Leafs 50 years ago and will forever be a part of our hockey family.

"We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Pia, his children Theresa, Anders, Rasmus, Bianca, Lisa and Sara and brother Stieg." Salming enjoyed a fantastic NHL career, which saw him spend the majority of his time with the Leafs, but also with the Detroit Red Wings.

The defenseman enjoyed 17 NHL seasons between 1973 and 1990, playing 1,148 games and scoring 787 points. As stated by the Leafs, Salming was a pioneer for Swedish hockey - becoming the first Swedish-born player to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996. The league is now flooded with talent from his homeland, as he's helped inspire many generations.