Emotional moment as legend Borje Salming breaks into tears in front of a sold out crowd

The Swedish national newspaper Expressen first reported about Salming's sickness, mentioning that the 71-year-old now uses an iPad to interact with friends and family.

Salming disclosed that he had ALS in August, saying that "in one second, everything changed." ALS is a degenerative disease of the nervous system that often kills within two to five years after the onset of symptoms. It produces paralysis, difficulty swallowing, respiratory failure, and death.

"I understand that there will be challenges bigger than anything I have ever experienced," Salming said in his opening address.

I also admit that there is no cure, but there are several worldwide trials taking place, therefore a cure will ultimately be discovered.

In Sweden, where the 71-year-old is currently undergoing therapy, there are more than 800 ALS patients. The ALS Society of Canada estimates that the disease affects 3,000 people in Canada. Salming played with the Maple Leafs for 16 seasons between 1973 and 1989. He was admitted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996. He participated in 1,099 games for the Leafs, and his 768 career points rank fourth among all franchise members.

Grab some Kleenex before you watch because the Leafs' poignant tribute to Salming tonight will have you in tears.