The hockey world is in shock after former NHL player Claude Lemieux passed away at the age of 60. The four time Stanley Cup winner was one of the most emotional and fearless players of his generation. Fans across the NHL remembered him for his playoff heroics, intense rivalries, and ability to deliver during the biggest moments of his career. News of his death became even more emotional after TMZ Sports reported that Lemieux may have died by suicide. The report has not been officially confirmed by Lemieux’s family or law enforcement authorities as of now. TMZ Sports stated that sources told the outlet Lemieux was found Thursday morning at a Florida business owned by his family. Because there has been no public confirmation from officials, the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. Only days before his passing, Claude Lemieux made what is now believed to be his final public appearance. On Monday, he carried the ceremonial torch into the Bell Centre before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final between the Montreal Canadiens and the Carolina Hurricanes. The moment has now taken on a heartbreaking meaning for hockey fans in Montreal and beyond.
Claude Lemieux built one of hockey’s most memorable playoff careers with the Canadiens, Devils and Avalanche
Claude Lemieux entered the NHL after the Montreal Canadiens selected him in the second round of the 1983 NHL Draft. He came into the league from the QMJHL’s Trois Rivieres Draveurs and quickly became known for his aggressive style and fearless attitude on the ice.His breakout moment came during the 1985 86 season when he helped the Canadiens win the Stanley Cup. Lemieux scored 10 goals during that playoff run and became one of Montreal’s most important postseason players.After seven seasons with the Canadiens, he joined the New Jersey Devils before the 1990 91 season. In 1995, Lemieux had one of the best playoff performances of his career. He led all postseason scorers with 13 goals and helped the Devils sweep the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Final. His performances earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.The following season, he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche and won another Stanley Cup immediately. That achievement made him one of the few players in NHL history to win back to back championships with two different teams.Claude Lemieux later added a fourth Stanley Cup with the Devils during the 1999 2000 season. Across 234 playoff games, he scored 78 goals and recorded 158 points. He also finished his NHL regular season career with 379 goals and 786 total points in 1,215 games while playing for the Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars, and San Jose Sharks.Away from hockey, Lemieux was a family man. He is survived by his wife Deborah and their four children. His son Brendan Lemieux also played in the NHL and spent time with five different teams during his professional career.
