Nylander and Rielly give heartfelt thoughts on Salming's legacy and how special it is to have him back in Toronto
It was an emotional start to the Leafs and Penguins game as the Leafs welcomed Borje Salming back in what could be his last visit to Toronto. Salming was diagnosed with ALS at the start of the season and his ability to travel was up in the air until earlier this week when his doctors gave him the "all clear". Salming received a standing ovation from the Leafs faithful that lasted more than a minute and led to many people tearing up including Salming and Nylander.
"It was emotional. He was very nice to me whenever I spoke to him when I first got to Toronto and whenever I saw him. It's very hard to see. He was the first guy to make his way over and lead the way with his toughness and being a leader. He represents a lot of Swedes and he's done a tremendous job. It's just so sad seeing him go through what he's going through. It's a special moment I will always remember," said Nylander when asked about Salming's legacy.
As a Swede, Salming's influence has been huge as Nylander said he was the first to come to North America and paved the way for other Swedes to join the NHL.
It's not just the Swedes that appreciate what Salming did.
Morgan Rielly also commented on Salming's legacy saying, "That was a pretty special moment to have him back in the building. As a D-man playing for this team, his name is one that I really admired and he's a person I really look up to."
It was truly a special moment for Leaf fans, hockey fans the Salming family and Salming himself to be able to participate in tonight's festivities and we wish him all the best in his fight with ALS.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
POLL |
NOVEMBRE 12 | 245 ANSWERS Nylander and Rielly give heartfelt thoughts on Salming's legacy and how special it is to have him back in Toronto Should the Leafs start a special foundation in Salming's honour to raise funds and awareness for ALS research? |
Yes | 221 | 90.2 % |
No, that's up to Salming's family | 24 | 9.8 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By TJ Tucker Maple Leafs Confirmed to Have Suffered Yet Another Injury, This Time on the Blueline |
|
2 hours ago | By Nick Matthews Former NHL Head Coach Shares Bold Opinion on Leafs' Playoff Hopes Under Craig Berube |
|
15 hours ago | By Mike Armenti The Maple Leafs Reportedly Ramping Up Efforts to Acquire a Center: 4 Frontrunners Named |
|
17 hours ago | By Ryan Smitheram Maple Leafs Really Missed the Boat By Not Signing Ex-Kings Defender When They Had the Chance |
|
20 hours ago | By Nick Matthews Maple Leafs Officially Linked to Former 1st Round Pick Dylan Cozens in New Report |
|
21 hours ago | By Nick Matthews Leafs Prospect Easton Cowan Delivers Special Celly After Extending Impressive Point Streak |
|
23 hours ago | By Ryan Smitheram Driver Charged In Tragic Incident With Gaudreau Brothers Makes Ridiculous Ask of Court |
|
Feb 5 | By Ryan Smitheram Western Conference Team Gives Maple Leafs a Perfect Blueprint for a Proper Trade |