In 1973, Salming made the jump to the NHL, signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He quickly became one of the most popular players in the league, and was the first European-born player to make an impact in the NHL. He was an offensive force from the blue line, scoring at least 10 goals in each of his first 11 seasons. He was also a physical presence, leading the league in penalty minutes in 1977-78.
Salming was a seven-time All-Star and was named to the NHL's First All-Star Team in 1977 and 1978. He was also a two-time recipient of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
Salming played 17 seasons in the NHL, spending 15 of them with the Maple Leafs. He finished his career with the Detroit Red Wings in 1990. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996, and his number 21 was retired by the Maple Leafs in 2006.
Salming's legacy is one of the most enduring in hockey. He was a trailblazer for European players in the NHL, and his skill and determination made him one of the greatest defensemen of all time.
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