Hockey Legend Claude Lemieux Dies at 60
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Buckingham native Claude Lemieux, who appeared at the Bell Centre just days ago, has passed away.
Claude Lemieux, one of the most decorated playoff performers in NHL history, has died at age 60. The Buckingham, Que., native appeared at the Bell Centre on Monday carrying the ceremonial torch for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes — just days before his death.
Lemieux carved out a 21-year career as a relentless competitor who elevated his game when stakes were highest. He remains one of only 11 players in league history to win the Stanley Cup with three different franchises, capturing four titles total across his career.
Drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1983, Lemieux quickly became known for his postseason impact. In 1986, he scored 10 goals and 16 points in 20 playoff games as the Canadiens won the Stanley Cup. After five seasons in Montreal, he was traded to the New Jersey Devils, where he cemented his elite playoff reputation. In 1995, he scored 13 goals in 20 games to lead the Devils to their first Stanley Cup and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
Lemieux later won championships with Colorado (1996) and New Jersey again (2000), returning to the NHL at age 43 with the San Jose Sharks in 2008–09. He retired with 379 regular-season goals and 158 points in 234 playoff games. His son Brendan played 10 NHL seasons across five franchises.
The NHL Alumni Association said Lemieux was "loved by his wife and four children," and the family is asking for privacy.