Borje Salming, a veteran National Hockey League defenseman with

TORONTO (AP) _ Borje Salming, a veteran National Hockey League defenseman with Toronto who admits to having tried cocaine a few years ago, says drugs are not a problem on the Maple Leafs.

″I have never seen the other players doing it, not at parties and never on the road,″ Salming was quoted as saying in Saturday’s Toronto Star. ″There’s even less drinking among the young players on our team than ever before.″

Salming’s comments came after Sports Illustrated alleged in its May 12 issue the reported cocaine abuse by five members of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers.

″I’ve tried it, sure, five, six years ago, but not since, and I feel good about saying no (when it is offered),″ Salming said, adding that the drug was made available at parties and not by anyone connected with the Maple Leafs.

Another story on drug abuse in the NHL is expected in the May 19 issue of Sports Illustrated, and for that reason, Salming said, he wants to set the record straight about rumors concerning his drug use.

″I hear them (rumors) all the time,″ Salming said. ″I’m used to it.″