The King

The true story of how Börje Salming—The King—changed hockey forever, silencing critics, earning the respect of some of hockey’s toughest competitors, and becoming one of the most influential players the game has ever known.

Börje Salming was more than a Toronto Maple Leafs legend—he was a trailblazer who transformed the NHL. As the first European player to establish himself as a true star in the league, Salming shattered long-held prejudices about European hockey players and paved the way for generations of international players. His success helped create opportunities for future stars such as Mats Sundin, Peter Forsberg, and countless others who followed in his footsteps.

On the ice, Salming redefined what a defenceman could be. Combining elite offensive instincts with exceptional defensive skill, strength, and fearlessness, he brought a dynamic style to the position that influenced players for decades. Alongside Leafs greats Darryl Sittler, Lanny McDonald, and Mike Palmateer, Salming became the cornerstone of Toronto’s exciting teams of the 1970s, making highlight-reel plays while never backing down from the physical battles that defined the era.

When Salming died of ALS in 2022, hockey lost not only an all-time great but also one of its most beloved ambassadors. Just weeks before his passing, he delivered a powerful and emotional farewell at Scotiabank Arena, raising his arm in defiance of his disease as Leafs Nation and fans around the world paid tribute to a living legend.

In The King, Salming shares his story in his trademark humble voice, with writer Ola Liljedahl. Filled with candid memories, behind-the-scenes stories, and reflections on a remarkable life, this is the definitive portrait of a player whose courage, talent, and character left an enduring mark on hockey and everyone who knew him.