The hockey world is mourning a terrible loss. Claude Lemieux played 21 years in the NHL, winning four Stanley Cups along the way. The former Montreal Canadiens pest was known for his postseason performances, scoring 80 goals in the playoffs. His death is being reported as a suicide.
To this day he ranks ninth in all-time playoff goals in league history, and he also collected 78 assists. He captured the Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP in 1995, helping the New Jersey Devils win their first Stanley Cup title along the way.
Claude Lemieux died at 60 years old
News of Claude’s death comes as his first NH team is still in the hunt for Lord Stanley’s cup. The Montreal Canadiens came out with a statement online. It says they are “shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Claude Lemieux.” Sources tell TMZ they found his body at a business in Florida, which his family owned.
The owner of the Canadiens, Geoff Molson, released a statement on this tragedy. He calls Claude’s death a “dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community.” Claude won his first Stanley Cup with the Habs in 1986 before going to the New Jersey Devils via a trade in 1990. He joined the Colorado Avalanche before the 1995-96 season, helping them capture the title for the first time. In doing so, he became the 10th player in league history to claim consecutive Stanley Cups for different teams.
His first NHL team are one of four remaining in the hunt for the Stanley Cup this season. The Habs are currently down three games to one to the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final. They are seeking a league-record 25th Stanley Cup title.
Claude’s passing comes a few months after another tragedy in the world of sports. Marshawn Kneeland of the Dallas Cowboys died in November of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Claude leaves behind his wife Deborah and four children. He was 60.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988.
