The award was established after Börje Salming passed away from ALS and for Sundin it is extra emotional to receive the award, which is presented to European players who have had a positive impact on ice hockey.
It feels amazing. It's fun to be recognized like this after my career and to feel like I left some kind of mark, even though it's been a long time since I played. Then it's very special because Börje Salming was an important mentor to me during my NHL career, says Sundin, who now works at Börje Salming's ALS Foundation.
Salming and Sundin are two of the classic Toronto Maple Leafs' biggest stars in history and the two became close friends over the years.
Salming had moved back home from the NHL when Sundin made the step to North America, but they played together in Tre Kronor in the 1991 World Cup.
We had a little connection considering that my mother is from Tornedalen and Börje was from Kiruna so there was some kind of recognition. So it's very personal for me. What I liked about Börje was that he was a superstar, but treated everyone the same.
It didn't matter if it was the janitor at the ice rink, the materials manager or superstars on other teams. I think that's a strength that I've been inspired by and that I think says a lot about the kind of person he was.
Previous laureates are Nicklas Lidström and Jari Kurri.
The award was established by NHL Alumni and will be presented to Sundin in connection with the NHL games between Pittsburgh and Nashville in Avicii Arena next weekend.
