It's fair to say Inge Hammarstrom is often the forgotten man when talk arises about how the Toronto Maple Leafs first introduced European players into their lineup back in the early 1970s. Of course, the marquee catch was defenseman Borje Salming, but Hammarstrom was a star in his own-right in his native country of Sweden when he and Salming crossed the Atlantic in what was then ground-breaking, uncharted territory for European players. The talented winger was known for his speed, which the Leafs felt they were lacking at the time.
Hammarstrom played with strong teams in Sweden, including perennial powerhouse Brynas IF Gavle, where he suited up for five years. He was also a member of Swedens entry at the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics.
In May, 1973, Hammarstrom inked a free-agent contract with the Maple Leafs and was with the club for the start of the season. He played a total of 66 games that year, notching 20 goals and 43 points. It was evident Hammarstrom had good skating skills and finesse, but he didn't seem to adjust so well to the more aggressive style of bodychecking in the smaller North American NHL rinks. Toronto traded Hammarstrom to St. Louis in November, 1977 for Jerry Butler. He remained with the Blue for two years before deciding to finish out his professional career back in his homeland, rejoining Brynas IF Gavle for three years, retiring at the end of the 1981-82 season at the age of 34.
