Börje Salming, former Maple Leafs star, diagnosed with ALS: 'In an instant, everything changed'

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Former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman and hockey Hall of Famer Börje Salming has been diagnosed with ALS at the age of 71.

Salming released a statement through the team on Wednesday.

"I have received news that has shaken my family and me. The signs that indicated that something was wrong in my body turned out to be the disease ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease." Salming said.

"In an instant, everything changed. I do not know how the days ahead will be, but I understand that there will be challenges greater than anything I have ever faced. I also recognize that there is no cure but there are numerous worldwide trials going on and there will be a cure one day. In the meantime, there are treatments available to slow the progression and my family and I will remain positive."

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Börje Salming of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the New York Islanders circa 1979 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. Salming's playing career spanned from 1967 to 1993. (Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Salming played for the Maple Leafs for 16 years and appeared in 1,099 games, scoring 768 points. His 768 points are fourth-most in Maple Leafs franchise history.

"Since I started playing ice hockey as a little kid in Kiruna (Sweden), and throughout my career, I have given it my all. And I will continue to do so."

RANGERS NAME DEFENSEMAN JACOB TROUBA CAPTAIN

Börje Salming is shown at the Microsoft Theater as part of the 2017 NHL All-Star Weekend on Jan. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. (Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Salming is honored on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Legend Row