The Börje Salming Courage Award, presented by SAP, was first presented in 2023 to honour NHL & Swedish hockey legend – Börje Salming. 

The award recognizes and honours Börje’s legacy as a trailblazer as one of the first European players to make an impact in the National Hockey League. Salming, through his skill, courage and leadership on and off the ice, made his teammates, opponents and fans across the NHL take notice, and blazed the trail for many talented European players who followed his path to the NHL. The Award also memorializes Börje’s bravery and tremendous courage with his battle with ALS, the deadly neurological disease which sadly claimed his life in 2022.

The Börje Salming Courage Award is presented annually to an European NHL Alumni member who has been influential in their home country, and community, while embodying Börje’s legacy of skill, courage & dedication on and off the ice. Detroit Red Wings legend Nicklas Lidstrom, and Edmonton Oiler’s legend Jari Kurri, were the first two recipients in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, Swedish Olympic hero, and the longest serving Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mats Sundin, will be presented with this honour. To inquire on how your corporation or brand can become involved with future NHL Alumni events, please contact us at partners@nhlalumni.com.