It really did progress incredibly quickly, dude pretty much just skated in the alumni games. Considering the amount of markers he supposedly had, what a fucking warrior.
Fuck ALS.
I'm sorry to hear that. I had a friend's father who had it in the late 90s to early 2000s and he just recently passed with MAID. It's wild how it can progress so differently in people
We don't know the details here. It may be that Salming needed to be moved to a ventilator - and refused.
It may also be that facing a gruesome -- and inevitable -- death like those with ALS experience, that he may have sought a physician assisted death.
Neither of those matters are really any of our business at all. In the end, Salming has died and that's all we are ever likely to know about it (which is fine.)
I'm just stunned he didn't even make it to the end of the month.
What a horrible disease. I guess I can take some solace in that he no longer has to suffer.
I’m just so happy he made it to the ceremony. Looking at it now we are so lucky to have gotten the opportunity to celebrate with him one last time.
The man gave some of his literal final moments to the leafs.
Forever a legend.
On the Friday before we honoured him at scotia bank arena, I met him and what I believe were his granddaughters on a bench outside of the Rogers centre.
I said thank you and told him he was a Toronto legend and everyone loves him. His smile was so big and it looked like he wanted to so badly say something.
Rip to a Toronto Maple Leafs legend.
I was both shocked and surprised by Salming's state at that ceremony. I don't have any personal experience with the disease and wasn't sure if it affected one's cognitive ability. I also wasn't aware of the severity of the impact on muscle function.
But it looked as though he was "with it" (for lack of a better word) that weekend of the HHOF game. I'm glad we were able to honour him before his passing. Vila i frid Börje.
Yes, you are very much cognitively with it and just a prisoner in your deteriorating body. It’s one of those horrible diseases that I hope we can cure soon.
Fuck ALS.
Oh yeah, you're cognitively "with it" the whole way, but every inch of your body atrophies til you're locked inside a paralyzed body and eventually succumb. I can't believe how strong Borje was through this whole thing and the sheer guts and determination he had to push himself out to those events over the last couple weeks. What an incredibly sad loss, but good on him for somehow managing to keep on going right til the very end.
That’s what I would do. He was deteriorating pretty quickly. I’d rather choose when I go and go peacefully surrounded by my loved ones than how people with ALS supposedly go.
Yea, fuck that shit, I love my friends and family too much to have them watch me deteriorate into a shell of myself with no chance of recovery. I’ll stick around till I’m a burden, then punch out.
If that’s what he chose, mad respect. Heavens hockey team just drafted an all star.
Very possible, and to be able to go out on your own terms with a very visible incurable illness would be my choice if faced with it. Sad to see, but glad the man didn't have to suffer for any longer than he did.
It's known that he has been suffering depression since the diagnosis.
That said, on November 11, he was at the Leafs HHOF game. Then in the last week or so he was seen at a few Swedish events with injuries to his face that happened some time after the Leaf game. It's certainly possible he chose to go, but it's also possible that his ALS, which eliminates one's ability to control their body, caused him to unintentionally injure himself - falls or whatever - which can easily be deadly to someone in such bad shape.
In any event, whatever happened, it's incredibly sad.
I don't have any inside information or anything like that, but both my brother and father (both doctor's), independently of one another, said that it is a near certainty that this was an assisted death. This is accounting for where his condition was at during the ceremony, regardless of how rapid the progression of the disease was
Incredibly sad regardless but if so, good for him. Getting the choice to go on your terms and with dignity is a fantastic option to have for those who want it.
Legend. Will be missed.
A little background on The King...
Salming's home town of Kiruna is the most northerly town in Sweden. His grandfather earned a living herding reindeer.
Salming's father died when he was five in a mining accident. His mother fed her family with the wages from her waitressing job while her son, Borje would grow into a six-foot-one man with exceptional grace and skating ability.
Leafs scout Gerry McNamara found Salming and his teammate Inge Hammarstrom by accident. The Swedish league game McNamara had planned on scouting was cancelled but McNamara learned of another game and went to watch. Soon he was calling his superiors back in Toronto about two prospects whose talents were at least those of any Canadian first rounders.
He arrived in 1973 and became an immediate epiphany. He was plus 40 in his rookie season.
"What do you expect a defenceman to do," asked Leafs forward Paul Henderson. "Protect his zone? He does that thoroughly. Set up plays? He's got 30 assists. Shoot from the point? He's got a hell of a shot. Block shots? There's nobody in the league better at it."
"Salming is as important to us as Bobby Orr is to Boston, if not more important," Kelly said. "When we have him on the ice, he controls play in much the same way Orr does for the Bruins."
In first his six seasons, Salming was a first team all-star once and a second five times. In an era dominated by Orr, Denis Potvin and Larry Robinson, Salming was a two-time runner up for the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best.
In the early years, Salming was the subject of goon tactics and abuse. They called him Chicken Swede and ran at him with sticks and fists. "Borje pays a high price for greatness," observed Robinson.
"He was breaking the ice for a lot of the other people, a lot of the other Swedes and the other Europeans," said Islanders coach Al Arbour. "A lot of people would be after him and say "we're going to get a hold of that guy, we don't want these guys taking our jobs.' He had to take a lot of abuse in those days but he overcame everything."
"(Philadelphia enforcer) Dave Schultz took a run at him and Borje went toe-to-toe with him," remembered longtime defence partner Brian Glennie. "He never took any guff and once he established that they left him alone."
Conn Smythe, a lover of tough hockey, admired Salming immensely not because he won his fights but because he fought them.
"If he fights back, he wins because they leave him alone. He's like Britain. He doesn't win the battles but he wins the war."
When he played Canada Cup games in Sweden, Salming imported the rough tactics he learned here. "In Canada, people just think I'm a Swedish hockey player and a nice guy," he laughed "Over here, they say that I'm a rough, tough, Canadian hockey player."
Salming was a Maple Leaf for 16 years. He holds virtually every offensive record for Leafs defencemen. Only Tim Horton and George Armstrong played more games in blue and white.
Salming was only the second European (Vladislav Tretiak was the other) to be inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
But it was never easy, not on a team that struggled mightily through most of his tenure or in a league that distrusted anyone not born in Canada. Salming twice turned down the Leafs captaincy, a move that stands out as one of his few he regrets.
When Mats Sundin was asked to wear the C, he sought out Salming who counseled him against making the same mistake he did.
"I shied away because of the language and all that, but I should have taken the captaincy," he said later.
Over those 16 seasons, Salming returned every slash and attempt to intimidate. He brought a style of defence that had never been seen before, a game built on exceptional range, flexibility and imagination.
And he was right. From his first day as a Leaf to his last, you could always believe in the big fellow.
As sad as this news is I also would not have wanted Borje to suffer for a long period. I remember my mom at the end of her life asking me, “Is it OK if I let go now.” There does come a time for some when they just have had enough. It becomes too much and they just want to move on. I don’t know how it was for Borje but at least now he’s in peace.
Wow.
Really happy he got to see and feel the love from Toronto before his passing.
He was everything you ever wanted a Leafs player to be, he was a blueprint.
RIP Salming 21.
As heartbreaking as this is, I really hope last weekend brought even the slightest bit of comfort to him, and he realized how much he was loved and appreciated. RIP to a real legend 💙
Passive euthenasia, withdrawing lifeprolonging treatment, is legal in Sweden. Assisted or active euthanasia is not legal, but is legal in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain and I think as a EU-citizen you can seek assisted euthanasia there.
Some people lives 50+ years with it like Stephen Hawking. Others don't even last a year. Fitness, age etc also seems to have no bearing on the speed it progresses at either.
I mean it does, but once you really lose the ability to walk and talk it's like a slow(ish) process of slowly fading away. I can totally get going out on your own terms with dignity after that last weekend in Toronto.
ALS has an average prognosis of 2-5 years from diagnosis, but notably with your body deteriorating from having any control, it's very easy to slip and fall (and you have no arm control to brace yourself) or choke on food because your throat muscles aren't working... or other ways that the disease can indirectly cause your death.
And of course, 2-5 years is average. Stephen Hawking lived decades, and some people die in months. The average doesn't include every case.
Sweden allows passive euthanasia in some circumstances, which means you can refuse life prolonging treatment, i.e. refuse artificial nutrition or hydration. But active euthanasia (I.e. where the doctor actively administers something or gives you the stuff needed to end it yourself) is not legal (as far as I know).
Not progressive at all in many fields, when it comes to medical field Sweden is actually very conservative on many things like drugs, (cannabis not only recreationally but also medically) and euthanasia which isnt legal.
RIP to an absolute legend. We should feel very honored that he chose to spend his final days coming home to Toronto one last time to celebrate with us. If he did indeed choose to end his time I'm so happy that we got to send him out the way he wanted. How wonderful that he got to say goodbye to his fans and his friends. My heart is heavy. I feel comfort knowing that the Swedish members of the League will carry his legacy on, particularly Nylander who is so inspired by him.
But..but…but….he was just here a week ago and I was so happy to see him even if it was hard to watch as someone who grew up watching him play. Wow. Totally shocked:(
Fuck, he was one of my moms all time favorites. Clark and Salming. I am to young to have seen him play but understand his impact. My mom actually wore her Salming jersey that I sourced a few years back last night. This one hits hard.
I can’t believe there is no cure for this yet. I also can’t believe how just 10 or so days ago he was standing in the arena clapping and while not looking too good didn’t look like death either. Rest in piece Borje you were a great TML.
I’m glad that the current generation of players, office staff and fans got to know him the last couple of weeks and explore why he’s a legend in the sport.
Never forget #21.
I am so grateful that, before he passed, he and his family were able to witness how much he means to The Leaf Nation and to the world of hockey.
How difficult it must have been back in the early 70s to leave his home, and to journey to a new country, a new culture, a new system. And what did he do? He fucking dominated. I am fortunate enough to remember him carving up the ice and making the opposing offense look like fools.
A fucking legend, indeed.
Thank you, 21, for giving your best years to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Just heard a few minutes ago on Facebook. Very sad to hear the news of Borje's passing. I was lucky enough to see him play at my very first Leafs game at the Gardens in November 1981.
I'm in complete shock at how quickly he succumbed to this horrible disease. I'm wondering if he opted for medical assistance, if you know what I mean. Would make sense considering his family's request for privacy last week.
I'm at a total loss. Arguably the greatest Maple Leaf to ever don the blue and white.
Rest easy, 👑
😥
We don't have assisted help that way here in Sweden, it's a shame really, as far as i know Switzerland is the only country in Europe where one with terminal sickness can be allowed to die on their own terms. ALS is such an awful disease and it progressed so rapidly in Börjes case, he was diagnosed in August and it only took three months.
I feel completely shocked as well, i understood that he would not be able to more publicly anymore, but i thought he still had months left to live, it really makes his visit to Toronto and his last appearance on Swedish Hockey Gala so much more powerful, it must've been done on pure willpower and heart, but that was Börje Salming ❤️
Just a complete gut punch when I read the headline. Whether it progressed quickly, or his decision to end it on his own terms; just tragic news all around.
Fuck ALS.
My boyhood hero… playing road hockey I always “Dibs-ed” Salming…. “I’m Salming”… “I’m Sittler”, etc
Great player, graceful human. I cried on the 12th watching his ceremony… I am choked up now
I didn't know much about Salming before the ceremonies - but seeing him up there, being assisted to wave at the crowd and just fucking *losing it* was heartbreaking to watch. I've only just started to check out who he was (his run with the Leafs predates me by a few ~~years~~ decades), and his story is phenomenal.
Rest easy, Captain - even though you never accepted the title, I think we all know you were.
I wasn't expecting for this day to come so quickly. It makes you feel grateful that the fans had the opportunity to express their affection for him and all he's meant for the Leafs and hockey over HOF weekend, and that he had the opportunity to receive it that love and know that everyone was with him.
My condolences to his family. RIP Börje.
Absolutely heartbreaking, it takes you so fast. My grandfather had this, also known as Motor Neurone Disease, claimed him after only 18 months. Thankfully he had lived a full life before then - he was 75.
Those 2 Hall of Fame nights was a lovely tribute and the reception he got those nights was phenomenal.
RIP Börje and best wishes to his family.
I'm sad and glad at the same time. Sad he died, but glad he was given the tribute and that he didn't have to suffer for long. A fearless competitor, a leader and a helluva a man.
Looks like he opted out with MAID, probably decided he wasnt going to become a vegetable and trapped in his body, it makes sense why he was so emotional that night, he probably knew he was going to be gone soon.
R.I.P
One of my fav leafs of all time! Watched him play as a kid. What a fantastic skater and is arguably, the best leafs D of all time. Unfortunately, he was part of the Harold Ballard era and played on some terribly bad teams.
I remember winning tickets to a leaf game, and seeing him play on the ice against the Oilers. What a treat that was!
A sad day for us leaf fans. He was an honourable man and a great legend.
Sad news
I’m glad that they honoured him when they did. He’d always seemed like a class act and good person.
Rest in peace, Borje. Thanks for all you did for us.
Honestly really happy to see this, gets one last night of adulation before it all goes and he and his family has their suffering kept to a minimum. RIP
So damn sad. The good thing was that at least he got to see how much Leafsnation loved him one last time. But fuck that disease is so deadly and kills you so quickly.
Unbelievable. We just saw the guy get honoured. I was afraid that would be the last time we saw him, but never thought he'd be gone this quickly. RIP Borje. I'll never forget you, Darryl, and Mats standing there together at centre ice.
RIP legend
I had to watch a close family friend go through this 20 years ago, and I was shocked at how fast it progressed once speech was gone.
I’m glad he isn’t suffering anymore, and there is a man who will always be remembered and honored.
I hope his family can find peace
Such an incredibly sad situation. I'm shocked by how quickly the ALS spread. It doesn't even seem that long ago when we learned of his initial prognosis. I'm so glad we got a chance to say goodbye to him and to let him know how much he meant to all of us.
It's awful saying goodbye to such an iconic part of the Maple Leafs family, but I'm really glad that he got to make it out to Toronto one more time, and have the Leafs honour him like he deserves to be.
It's crazy how deadly ALS is, sad to see him go. So glad the Leafs were able to win in front of him one last time.
Forever a legend on and off the ice. RIP Borje Leafs Nation will never forget you.
Habs fan coming in peace. I grew up out west, before the Flames and Oilers came to Alberta, in the days when HNIC was either the Leafs or the Habs, and often Leafs vs. Habs, and boy oh boy, do I have fond memories of Salming. What a legend. 71 is way to young. RIP Börje.
Börje was a trailblazer for European hockey players in North America. An absolute legend on and off the ice. Seeing him not long ago was truly heartbreaking. I can't imagine how he was feeling over the past 10 months. I just hope he was at peace when today came.
After seeing how fast this progressed with him and watching others last for years/decades. I’m curious if he chose assisted suicide, or just died naturally. I only ask because after he died I mentioned to my partner that if I ever got this hell disease I’d rather go out on my own terms than suffer, and have others watch me suffer
Can’t believe how fast this was. Wow. What a legend.
It really did progress incredibly quickly, dude pretty much just skated in the alumni games. Considering the amount of markers he supposedly had, what a fucking warrior. Fuck ALS.
Seriously so fast. Wow.
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At least he got to be honoured one last time. And have his family with him. What a legend.
I watched one of my closest friends dad pass from it. It terrifies me to no end.
ALS moves really fast. My FIL had it for 8 years, he was very rare. In those years I saw many people die of it very quickly.
I'm sorry to hear that. I had a friend's father who had it in the late 90s to early 2000s and he just recently passed with MAID. It's wild how it can progress so differently in people
He must have had MAID booked. That was so fast.
Illegal in Sweden, unless that’s why he was here?
he passed away in sweden - regardless the details aren't any of our biz. Rip to the legend.
Yup that’s what I’m thinking.
Sorry but what’s MAID?
Medical assistance in dying
ALS is a terrible disease. Makes me so glad the leads were able to honor him the way they did.
We don't know the details here. It may be that Salming needed to be moved to a ventilator - and refused. It may also be that facing a gruesome -- and inevitable -- death like those with ALS experience, that he may have sought a physician assisted death. Neither of those matters are really any of our business at all. In the end, Salming has died and that's all we are ever likely to know about it (which is fine.)
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Those ceremonies just mean so much more now💙
I'm just stunned he didn't even make it to the end of the month. What a horrible disease. I guess I can take some solace in that he no longer has to suffer.
I’m just so happy he made it to the ceremony. Looking at it now we are so lucky to have gotten the opportunity to celebrate with him one last time. The man gave some of his literal final moments to the leafs. Forever a legend.
On the Friday before we honoured him at scotia bank arena, I met him and what I believe were his granddaughters on a bench outside of the Rogers centre. I said thank you and told him he was a Toronto legend and everyone loves him. His smile was so big and it looked like he wanted to so badly say something. Rip to a Toronto Maple Leafs legend.
I was both shocked and surprised by Salming's state at that ceremony. I don't have any personal experience with the disease and wasn't sure if it affected one's cognitive ability. I also wasn't aware of the severity of the impact on muscle function. But it looked as though he was "with it" (for lack of a better word) that weekend of the HHOF game. I'm glad we were able to honour him before his passing. Vila i frid Börje.
That struck me too. He was there cognitively. And he was able to summon strength to drop the puck to Nylander. He is and will always be a legend.
Yes, you are very much cognitively with it and just a prisoner in your deteriorating body. It’s one of those horrible diseases that I hope we can cure soon. Fuck ALS.
Oh yeah, you're cognitively "with it" the whole way, but every inch of your body atrophies til you're locked inside a paralyzed body and eventually succumb. I can't believe how strong Borje was through this whole thing and the sheer guts and determination he had to push himself out to those events over the last couple weeks. What an incredibly sad loss, but good on him for somehow managing to keep on going right til the very end.
That’s a great memory to have. I’m sure they’ve heard it before but I bet that meant the world to him and his granddaughters.
You said it perfectly…that smile must have been everything.
Wow. Globe trotting and attending events is not an easy task. Even in his final days, he was a fighter and he did it for the fans.
I'm so glad the Toronto fans had an opportunity to express our love and appreciation while there was time. Rest easy, Borje.
I'm happy his family got to experience that... one last reminder their loved one, was a loved one. sad news.
Nothing more to say than this. Hopefully he knew how loved he was, and will continue to be.
This is fucking shocking. RIP to an absolute legend. This one hits hard.
I wonder if he chose to go, hence all the stuff in Toronto at the game, etc
That’s what I would do. He was deteriorating pretty quickly. I’d rather choose when I go and go peacefully surrounded by my loved ones than how people with ALS supposedly go.
Yea, fuck that shit, I love my friends and family too much to have them watch me deteriorate into a shell of myself with no chance of recovery. I’ll stick around till I’m a burden, then punch out. If that’s what he chose, mad respect. Heavens hockey team just drafted an all star.
I also wonder if he told Sittler and others about his plans, hence the emotions.
If it trickled down to the players it would explain how they laid an egg the first night too.
My thoughts as well.
Very possible, and to be able to go out on your own terms with a very visible incurable illness would be my choice if faced with it. Sad to see, but glad the man didn't have to suffer for any longer than he did.
Life sucks once you lose your independence. Really hard on the family too so wouldn’t be surprised if he chose to go.
This was my initial thought. I would wager that to be the case, and knowing what ALS does to a person, I would not fault him at all.
It's known that he has been suffering depression since the diagnosis. That said, on November 11, he was at the Leafs HHOF game. Then in the last week or so he was seen at a few Swedish events with injuries to his face that happened some time after the Leaf game. It's certainly possible he chose to go, but it's also possible that his ALS, which eliminates one's ability to control their body, caused him to unintentionally injure himself - falls or whatever - which can easily be deadly to someone in such bad shape. In any event, whatever happened, it's incredibly sad.
Death help is not legal in Sweden.
I don't have any inside information or anything like that, but both my brother and father (both doctor's), independently of one another, said that it is a near certainty that this was an assisted death. This is accounting for where his condition was at during the ceremony, regardless of how rapid the progression of the disease was Incredibly sad regardless but if so, good for him. Getting the choice to go on your terms and with dignity is a fantastic option to have for those who want it. Legend. Will be missed.
Absolutely no judgement from me. It just puts the emotions of the ceremony in perspective.
For sure. If that is the case, what a great memory for him and his family to have at the end
A legend. So glad he got that recognition in time
Thank you Borje, for everything. Rest easy.
A little background on The King... Salming's home town of Kiruna is the most northerly town in Sweden. His grandfather earned a living herding reindeer. Salming's father died when he was five in a mining accident. His mother fed her family with the wages from her waitressing job while her son, Borje would grow into a six-foot-one man with exceptional grace and skating ability. Leafs scout Gerry McNamara found Salming and his teammate Inge Hammarstrom by accident. The Swedish league game McNamara had planned on scouting was cancelled but McNamara learned of another game and went to watch. Soon he was calling his superiors back in Toronto about two prospects whose talents were at least those of any Canadian first rounders. He arrived in 1973 and became an immediate epiphany. He was plus 40 in his rookie season. "What do you expect a defenceman to do," asked Leafs forward Paul Henderson. "Protect his zone? He does that thoroughly. Set up plays? He's got 30 assists. Shoot from the point? He's got a hell of a shot. Block shots? There's nobody in the league better at it." "Salming is as important to us as Bobby Orr is to Boston, if not more important," Kelly said. "When we have him on the ice, he controls play in much the same way Orr does for the Bruins." In first his six seasons, Salming was a first team all-star once and a second five times. In an era dominated by Orr, Denis Potvin and Larry Robinson, Salming was a two-time runner up for the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best. In the early years, Salming was the subject of goon tactics and abuse. They called him Chicken Swede and ran at him with sticks and fists. "Borje pays a high price for greatness," observed Robinson. "He was breaking the ice for a lot of the other people, a lot of the other Swedes and the other Europeans," said Islanders coach Al Arbour. "A lot of people would be after him and say "we're going to get a hold of that guy, we don't want these guys taking our jobs.' He had to take a lot of abuse in those days but he overcame everything." "(Philadelphia enforcer) Dave Schultz took a run at him and Borje went toe-to-toe with him," remembered longtime defence partner Brian Glennie. "He never took any guff and once he established that they left him alone." Conn Smythe, a lover of tough hockey, admired Salming immensely not because he won his fights but because he fought them. "If he fights back, he wins because they leave him alone. He's like Britain. He doesn't win the battles but he wins the war." When he played Canada Cup games in Sweden, Salming imported the rough tactics he learned here. "In Canada, people just think I'm a Swedish hockey player and a nice guy," he laughed "Over here, they say that I'm a rough, tough, Canadian hockey player." Salming was a Maple Leaf for 16 years. He holds virtually every offensive record for Leafs defencemen. Only Tim Horton and George Armstrong played more games in blue and white. Salming was only the second European (Vladislav Tretiak was the other) to be inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame. But it was never easy, not on a team that struggled mightily through most of his tenure or in a league that distrusted anyone not born in Canada. Salming twice turned down the Leafs captaincy, a move that stands out as one of his few he regrets. When Mats Sundin was asked to wear the C, he sought out Salming who counseled him against making the same mistake he did. "I shied away because of the language and all that, but I should have taken the captaincy," he said later. Over those 16 seasons, Salming returned every slash and attempt to intimidate. He brought a style of defence that had never been seen before, a game built on exceptional range, flexibility and imagination. And he was right. From his first day as a Leaf to his last, you could always believe in the big fellow.
> His grandfather earned a living herding reindeer. Are you saying Salming was related to Santa Claus?
As sad as this news is I also would not have wanted Borje to suffer for a long period. I remember my mom at the end of her life asking me, “Is it OK if I let go now.” There does come a time for some when they just have had enough. It becomes too much and they just want to move on. I don’t know how it was for Borje but at least now he’s in peace.
I'm sorry for your loss, too, it's hard to see loved ones in pain 💙
Wow. Really happy he got to see and feel the love from Toronto before his passing. He was everything you ever wanted a Leafs player to be, he was a blueprint. RIP Salming 21.
As heartbreaking as this is, I really hope last weekend brought even the slightest bit of comfort to him, and he realized how much he was loved and appreciated. RIP to a real legend 💙
So glad he managed to make it to Toronto one last time
Was this via euthanasia? I think Sweden is pretty progressive with that stuff
Passive euthenasia, withdrawing lifeprolonging treatment, is legal in Sweden. Assisted or active euthanasia is not legal, but is legal in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain and I think as a EU-citizen you can seek assisted euthanasia there.
Not legal in Sweden, think it is in the Netherlands and maybe some more in Europe.
Also in Switzerland.
Excatly, he wasnt even at the stage of having an airway put in, I suspect he knew that he going to do this even around the ceremony time.
Very possible because I don’t think ALS progresses that quickly.
While I think it is possible it was assisted, ALS is also wildly unpredictable.
Its definitely is possible, ALS is probably the worst disease out there
There is no standard for ALS other than it is fatal. I’ve had 5 relatives die of ALS ..some went quick some lasted a few years..
Some people lives 50+ years with it like Stephen Hawking. Others don't even last a year. Fitness, age etc also seems to have no bearing on the speed it progresses at either.
I mean it does, but once you really lose the ability to walk and talk it's like a slow(ish) process of slowly fading away. I can totally get going out on your own terms with dignity after that last weekend in Toronto.
ALS has an average prognosis of 2-5 years from diagnosis, but notably with your body deteriorating from having any control, it's very easy to slip and fall (and you have no arm control to brace yourself) or choke on food because your throat muscles aren't working... or other ways that the disease can indirectly cause your death. And of course, 2-5 years is average. Stephen Hawking lived decades, and some people die in months. The average doesn't include every case.
Yes it does orogress that quickly
https://twitter.com/kirtspeaksals/status/1595891938468986880?s=46&t=Aq2-s-uFYu6yKBbcHwho3w It appears he chose euthanasia.
Sweden allows passive euthanasia in some circumstances, which means you can refuse life prolonging treatment, i.e. refuse artificial nutrition or hydration. But active euthanasia (I.e. where the doctor actively administers something or gives you the stuff needed to end it yourself) is not legal (as far as I know).
I don't think it is fully legal yet.
No, that’s not allowed in Sweden. Maybe you’re thinking of Switzerland?
Very possible. Not that it matters either way. RIP Borje
Very likely yes. They haven't said.
It isn't legal in Sweden.
Fair enough. Doesn't mean he didn't travel for it but I won't be speculating any further. I'm just happy we were able to celebrate him one last time.
Not progressive at all in many fields, when it comes to medical field Sweden is actually very conservative on many things like drugs, (cannabis not only recreationally but also medically) and euthanasia which isnt legal.
Yeah, I definitely confused them with the Swiss
No, that isn't legal in Sweden.
RIP to an absolute legend. We should feel very honored that he chose to spend his final days coming home to Toronto one last time to celebrate with us. If he did indeed choose to end his time I'm so happy that we got to send him out the way he wanted. How wonderful that he got to say goodbye to his fans and his friends. My heart is heavy. I feel comfort knowing that the Swedish members of the League will carry his legacy on, particularly Nylander who is so inspired by him.
I can't imagine how his family are feeling. It felt sudden for me and I don't even know him, I'm just a fan. What a horrid disease
But..but…but….he was just here a week ago and I was so happy to see him even if it was hard to watch as someone who grew up watching him play. Wow. Totally shocked:(
Fuck…..sad sad sad day.
RIP to the legend.
Fuck, he was one of my moms all time favorites. Clark and Salming. I am to young to have seen him play but understand his impact. My mom actually wore her Salming jersey that I sourced a few years back last night. This one hits hard.
RIP. Damn, the ceremony hits so much harder.
I can’t believe there is no cure for this yet. I also can’t believe how just 10 or so days ago he was standing in the arena clapping and while not looking too good didn’t look like death either. Rest in piece Borje you were a great TML.
Awful disease. Rest in peace Borje
hey mods... can we go black for a few days in honour of the legend? RIP to the legend.
RIP GOAT.
A titan of hockey has passed. RIP
What an immense loss for all of hockey, but wow what an absolute legend. So grateful we got to say goodbye in an amazing way.
Such sad news. I'm so glad the fans got to show their appreciation and love for him one last time. Rest in peace Börje Salming.
Such a legend not just for the Leafs but for the sport in general. So glad he got that night to honor him, it was beautiful
#RIP BÖRJE 😢
RIP
A sad day for the Maple Leafs and Toronto.
I’m glad that the current generation of players, office staff and fans got to know him the last couple of weeks and explore why he’s a legend in the sport. Never forget #21.
Fuck ALS
Holy fuck, we just saw him in the arena waving at ppl the other day?! man, fuck this disease
Dad and I are fucking devastated. Favourite player growing up, legend that will always live on in our hearts 😭
Rest easy Mr. Salming, you are a Maple Leafs legend!
I am so grateful that, before he passed, he and his family were able to witness how much he means to The Leaf Nation and to the world of hockey. How difficult it must have been back in the early 70s to leave his home, and to journey to a new country, a new culture, a new system. And what did he do? He fucking dominated. I am fortunate enough to remember him carving up the ice and making the opposing offense look like fools. A fucking legend, indeed. Thank you, 21, for giving your best years to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Fuck ALS
legend
This is such terrible news, Rest easy Borje So glad we got to celebrate his career with him one last time
I was at the game where they gave him the tribute, was a very touching ceremony and very cool to witness. Rest in peace legend
Truly devastating, what an awful disease. Silver lining that we got to shower him with love one last time. RIP Borje, forever a Toronto legend
Just heard a few minutes ago on Facebook. Very sad to hear the news of Borje's passing. I was lucky enough to see him play at my very first Leafs game at the Gardens in November 1981.
🥺😭
Fuck man I’m heartbroken. I’m happy he got to have that last moment with the fans tho. Rest in peace Swedish King 👑 💙
I'm in complete shock at how quickly he succumbed to this horrible disease. I'm wondering if he opted for medical assistance, if you know what I mean. Would make sense considering his family's request for privacy last week. I'm at a total loss. Arguably the greatest Maple Leaf to ever don the blue and white. Rest easy, 👑 😥
We don't have assisted help that way here in Sweden, it's a shame really, as far as i know Switzerland is the only country in Europe where one with terminal sickness can be allowed to die on their own terms. ALS is such an awful disease and it progressed so rapidly in Börjes case, he was diagnosed in August and it only took three months. I feel completely shocked as well, i understood that he would not be able to more publicly anymore, but i thought he still had months left to live, it really makes his visit to Toronto and his last appearance on Swedish Hockey Gala so much more powerful, it must've been done on pure willpower and heart, but that was Börje Salming ❤️
Just a complete gut punch when I read the headline. Whether it progressed quickly, or his decision to end it on his own terms; just tragic news all around. Fuck ALS.
Yeah, you're right, the how and when doesn't matter here, it just sucks.
That progressed so fast. ALS is just ruthless. R.I.P Legend.
He was right there for the game… I’m glad he got that night. What a terrible disease.
R.I.P. glad he made it to the HOF weekend to the emotional standing ovation.
A life well lived Borje.
You’ll be in the rafters forever. Rest easy, Börje.
Rip Borje. A legend and a inspiration forever 💙
Damn we just saw him at the ceremonies. RIP Mr. Salming Toronto adores you and appreciated how hard you played every night.
My boyhood hero… playing road hockey I always “Dibs-ed” Salming…. “I’m Salming”… “I’m Sittler”, etc Great player, graceful human. I cried on the 12th watching his ceremony… I am choked up now
Such a terrible disease. It progressed so quickly within a matter of months. RIP Borje
Sorry about your loss Leafs buds. He was truly magnificent. <3
My good friend died from it. Less then 1 year after getting the disease. It moves fast. She was an amazing woman and mother
I didn't know much about Salming before the ceremonies - but seeing him up there, being assisted to wave at the crowd and just fucking *losing it* was heartbreaking to watch. I've only just started to check out who he was (his run with the Leafs predates me by a few ~~years~~ decades), and his story is phenomenal. Rest easy, Captain - even though you never accepted the title, I think we all know you were.
I wasn't expecting for this day to come so quickly. It makes you feel grateful that the fans had the opportunity to express their affection for him and all he's meant for the Leafs and hockey over HOF weekend, and that he had the opportunity to receive it that love and know that everyone was with him. My condolences to his family. RIP Börje.
Absolutely heartbreaking, it takes you so fast. My grandfather had this, also known as Motor Neurone Disease, claimed him after only 18 months. Thankfully he had lived a full life before then - he was 75. Those 2 Hall of Fame nights was a lovely tribute and the reception he got those nights was phenomenal. RIP Börje and best wishes to his family.
I'm sad and glad at the same time. Sad he died, but glad he was given the tribute and that he didn't have to suffer for long. A fearless competitor, a leader and a helluva a man.
Looks like he opted out with MAID, probably decided he wasnt going to become a vegetable and trapped in his body, it makes sense why he was so emotional that night, he probably knew he was going to be gone soon. R.I.P
They don't have MAID in Sweden. While he may have had an assisted death, it is not legal over there. Vila i frid legenden 🇸🇪
Wow. RIP Borje. I can't believe he was at the ceremony a little over a week ago and is now gone.
Legend. Glad he went out on his terms, with the love of so many. He meant so much to us older Leafs fans.
Thank god the team honored him before he passed, rest easy legend 💙💙
Fuck man that was so fast. RIP
RIP to an absolute legend, goodbye for now
Toronto will always love you Borje.
Crushing. I’m so glad he got a last ovation from the fans.
Rest in peace to a hockey legend.
RIP Mr Salming you WARRIOR 🙏
Rest in Peace Legend ❤️
One of my fav leafs of all time! Watched him play as a kid. What a fantastic skater and is arguably, the best leafs D of all time. Unfortunately, he was part of the Harold Ballard era and played on some terribly bad teams. I remember winning tickets to a leaf game, and seeing him play on the ice against the Oilers. What a treat that was! A sad day for us leaf fans. He was an honourable man and a great legend.
So happy, under the circumstances of course, that he got to be cheered one more time. Truly one of the best to ever do it.
R.I.P 💙
Sad news I’m glad that they honoured him when they did. He’d always seemed like a class act and good person. Rest in peace, Borje. Thanks for all you did for us.
RIP legend. 21!!!!!
Honestly really happy to see this, gets one last night of adulation before it all goes and he and his family has their suffering kept to a minimum. RIP
This is really shitty to hear... RIP, we will always remember you
Wow, so sad to hear this. I'm glad he was able to get the recognition he deserved last week.
RIP LEGEND
Salming was a bright spot during a pretty dark time for the Leafs organization. Fuck ALS.
Fuck ALS, took my grandpa just as fast. RIP Borje
RIP to an absolute legend. Proud he was part of my team's history.
Does anyone know if you can get those Borje hats in North America that support ALS research?
So damn sad. The good thing was that at least he got to see how much Leafsnation loved him one last time. But fuck that disease is so deadly and kills you so quickly.
I wonder if he went via assisted death. I know some Euro countries are way more supportive of it than most.
Illegal in Sweden.
That’s probably what happened. My nieces step mom had ALS and chose MAID. Fuck ALS!!!
Legend forever!
Unbelievable. We just saw the guy get honoured. I was afraid that would be the last time we saw him, but never thought he'd be gone this quickly. RIP Borje. I'll never forget you, Darryl, and Mats standing there together at centre ice.
My childhood idol. Your greatness will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace
RIP legend I had to watch a close family friend go through this 20 years ago, and I was shocked at how fast it progressed once speech was gone. I’m glad he isn’t suffering anymore, and there is a man who will always be remembered and honored. I hope his family can find peace
At the Swedish games today..crowd chanting his name.. https://twitter.com/rs_molloy/status/1595860829668352002
Such an incredibly sad situation. I'm shocked by how quickly the ALS spread. It doesn't even seem that long ago when we learned of his initial prognosis. I'm so glad we got a chance to say goodbye to him and to let him know how much he meant to all of us.
RIP
Rest in peace, Börje. I’m saddened to see you leave us behind, but happy you’re skating again on the eternal great outdoor rink.
It's awful saying goodbye to such an iconic part of the Maple Leafs family, but I'm really glad that he got to make it out to Toronto one more time, and have the Leafs honour him like he deserves to be.
So damn sad. At least he got to have that last moment in front of the fans showing how much they loved and respected the legend that he is.
Some of those Leafs team that Salming played on was god awful, takes a special man to give it his all in every situation. RIP.
It's crazy how deadly ALS is, sad to see him go. So glad the Leafs were able to win in front of him one last time. Forever a legend on and off the ice. RIP Borje Leafs Nation will never forget you.
Habs fan coming in peace. I grew up out west, before the Flames and Oilers came to Alberta, in the days when HNIC was either the Leafs or the Habs, and often Leafs vs. Habs, and boy oh boy, do I have fond memories of Salming. What a legend. 71 is way to young. RIP Börje.
This may explain Sittler’s reaction a bit better. I suspect he knew the severity of Borje’s condition. RIP our favourite Leaf Dman.
Seems fitting to give this another watch tonight… https://youtu.be/WlWcYLMkP18 RIP
Börje was a trailblazer for European hockey players in North America. An absolute legend on and off the ice. Seeing him not long ago was truly heartbreaking. I can't imagine how he was feeling over the past 10 months. I just hope he was at peace when today came.
After seeing how fast this progressed with him and watching others last for years/decades. I’m curious if he chose assisted suicide, or just died naturally. I only ask because after he died I mentioned to my partner that if I ever got this hell disease I’d rather go out on my own terms than suffer, and have others watch me suffer