Mats Sundin is a true Toronto Maple Leafs hero. When he was traded to the Maple Leafs, he was welcomed by another Swedish Maple Leafs legend, Borje Salming—who had the best reaction ever upon hearing the news.
Sundin is one of the greatest players in Maple Leafs history, holding several team records, including most games played (981) and most goals scored (420). He also ranks second in assists, behind another legendary Swedish Leaf, Borje Salming.
READ MORE: This was Borje Salming’s last wish before he passed
Salming paved the way
Salming paved the way for European players in the NHL when he entered the league in 1973. While European players had played in the NHL before, Salming was the first true star. And when Mats Sundin was traded from the Quebec Nordiques, Salming happened to be there to witness it.
As the recipient of the 2025 Borje Salming Courage Award, Sundin shared an amazing story during his speech about how Salming reacted when he found out Sundin had been traded to Toronto.
Mats Sundin trade to Toronto
“It was 1994. I was at Börje Salming’s hockey camp in Kiruna, Sweden. I looked at Börje, and he said, ‘What happened?’ I said, ‘I got traded.’ He asked, ‘Where?’ and I said, ‘Toronto Maple Leafs.’ And he went, ‘YES!’” Sundin recalled.
“You’re gonna love it there—it’s the hockey capital of the world, the hockey center of the world. There’s a lot of pressure, but there’s no city in the world that cares more about their team.”
At the time, Salming may not have known just how right he was.
READ MORE: Mats Sundin names the biggest moment of his Hall of Fame career
