Heartbreaking update on Leafs legend Borje Salming

Salming is widely regarded as the best Leaf's defenseman of all time and was the first Swedish player ever inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. In his 16 seasons with the Maple Leafs, Salming racked up 148 goals and 768 points, the most by a defenseman in franchise history.

ALS is a horrible disease for which there is no cure. It attacks the central nervous system, causing a loss of muscle function. It begins with difficulty performing routine tasks and often those afflicted lose their ability to speak, and most eventually die of respiratory failure.

According to an update from expressen.se, a Swedish news site, Salming has now lost the ability to speak and is only able to eat through a feeding tube. The disease has decimated his muscle control in his face and throat. At 71 years old, Salming must now communicate using an iPad with a speech synthesizer. His illness is advancing at a rapid rate. What he and his family are going through.. it's unfathomable.

Awful news to have to report, but we're all keeping Borje and his family in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.