A tribute in time
The Salming 1,148 watch was unveiled as a labor of love by the late Borje Salming’s children and longtime friend Mats Kullenberg, turning a personal devotion into a public homage that now graces the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Every element of the timepiece reflects Salming’s storied career: his signature is etched on the dial, his iconic number 21 appears on the case, and a King’s crown motif pays tribute to his legacy. A CN Tower sweeps across the second hand, a subtle nod to his Swedish roots and the nickname that followed him across continents.
Only 1,148 pieces were produced, mirroring the exact number of NHL games he played. Proceeds from each sale are directed to the NHL Alumni Association’s charitable initiatives, including the Salming Courage Award that recognizes European alumni who demonstrate community impact and resilience.
The watch’s debut took place at the Hockey Hall of Fame, where Salming was inducted in 1996, and a dedicated showcase now displays both the timepiece and the award he helped establish, linking his on‑ice achievements with his off‑ice generosity.
Salming’s professional footprint is reflected in his career statistics: 1,148 games, 787 points (150 goals, 637 assists), and 16 of his 17 NHL seasons spent with the Toronto Maple Leafs after he signed in 1973. He became the first European‑born player to reach the 1,148‑game milestone, paving a path for countless teammates.
The first 100 watches were reserved for NHL players, and one of those inaugural pieces was presented to Darryl Sitter, a former teammate and Hall of Famer who wore number 27. The gesture linked the tribute to other European pioneers such as Nicklas Lidstrom, Jari Kurri, and Mats Sundin, whose own careers were shaped by Salming’s trailblazing presence.
Beyond personal milestones, Salming’s influence is evident in the swelling representation of European players in the NHL, which grew from just 10 in 2023 to 92 at the start of the 2024 season. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation, a fact underscored by the charitable mission that now fuels the watch’s distribution.
The project’s origins date back to 2018, when the concept was first imagined. Though Salming passed away from ALS in 2022, the watch was completed posthumously, ensuring that his vision for honoring European alumni and supporting charitable causes lives on.