Börje Salming was the first Swedish player to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame ©Getty Images

Tributes have been paid to ice hockey trailblazer Börje Salming in Sweden and Canada following his death aged 71.

Salming had motor neuron disease, which was only diagnosed earlier this year, and died on Thursday (November 24).

The famed defender spent 16 years playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League (NHL), appearing in more than 1,000 games.

Salming was thrice invited to the NHL All-Star Game and set a Maple Leafs record with 620 regular-season assists.

Salming's number 21 has been retired by the franchise and he was the first Swedish player to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, which is in Toronto.

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Hall of Fame has also inducted Salming.

Börje Salming already has a statue outside the Toronto Maple Leafs' arena ©Getty Images
Börje Salming already has a statue outside the Toronto Maple Leafs' arena ©Getty Images

Internationally, Salming helped Sweden finish second at the 1973 IIHF World Championship and third at the 1972 edition.

"With the death of Börje Salming, the ice hockey world did not only lose a pioneer and game-changer but also a great person," IIHF President Luc Tardif said.

"A top defender of his time with braveness and mental toughness, Salming broke stereotypes during a time when making the NHL remained a mere dream for even the most skilled European players.

"He became the first NHL star from the continent and opened the door for hundreds of players who crossed the ocean after him."

The IIHF included Salming in its Centennial All-Star Team in 2008.

"The Toronto Maple Leafs mourn the loss of Börje Salming," team President Brendan Shanahan added.

"Börje was a pioneer of the game and an icon with an unbreakable spirit and unquestioned toughness. 

"He helped open the door for Europeans in the NHL and defined himself through his play on the ice and through his contributions to the community.

"Börje joined the Maple Leafs 50 years ago and will forever be a part of our hockey family. 

"We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Pia, his children Theresa, Anders, Rasmus, Bianca, Lisa and Sara and brother Stieg."

Salming had attended a Maple Leafs game for the last time earlier this month and received a rollicking reception from the Scotiabank Arena crowd.

Maple Leafs players have worn yellow and blue patches bearing the name "Börje" in games following Salming's passing.