The NHL Alumni Association is devastated to share that Claude Lemieux has passed away at the age of 60.
Born in Buckingham, Quebec, Claude was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft and would make his NHL debut just a few months later on October 13, 1983 and scored his first career NHL goal on December 4, 1983.
Claude split time between the Canadiens organization and the QMJHL from 1983 to 1985, capturing the President’s Cup with the Verdun Junior Canadiens in 1985 as QMJHL playoff champions, while earning the Guy Lafleur Trophy as Playoff MVP.
The very next season, Claude recorded 10 goals and 16 points in 20 playoff games as he and the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup. Claude remained with the Canadiens for an additional four seasons before joining the New Jersey Devils ahead of the 1990-91 season.
In 1994-95, his fifth and final season with New Jersey, Claude led the Devils to their first Stanley Cup championship, registering 13 goals in 20 playoff games, taking home the Conn Smythe Trophy as Playoff MVP. As a member of the Colorado Avalanche in 1995-96, Claude was once again an integral part of team history as the Avalanche hoisted Lord Stanley’s Cup for the very first time in 1996.
Claude played 297 regular-season games in an Avalanche uniform before rejoining the New Jersey Devils in November of 1999, and for a fourth and final time, would be crowned a Stanley Cup champion on June 10, 2000. Claude later played for the Phoenix Coyotes and Dallas Stars before making a comeback with the San Jose Sharks during the 2008-09 season.
Internationally, Claude represented Canada on several occasions, including capturing a gold medal at the 1985 World Junior Hockey Championships and winning the 1987 Canada Cup.
He was loved by his wife and four children, and on behalf of the Lemieux family, we kindly ask that everyone respect their privacy during this difficult time.
Memorial service details to follow.
@JMC9787 I mean they are playing arguably top 3 team in the league. Wild defense has been outstanding.
This is a testament to Minnesota.
Fact that (what i think) second and third best teams in league playing each other in first round is a sin
Agreed. Sunny’s methodical approach makes me feel like alot of fans are going to b very surprised with moves this summer. I’m hoping and expecting a big splash #NJDevils
Personally, the best part of Sunny Metha’s press conference was that he didn’t commit to any player on this current roster.
All avenues must be studied and to me, status quo for 2026-27 isn’t a viable option.
#NJDevils
Let’s go Sens! #gosensgo
More and more you watch Brady Tkachuk the more and more you hope one day he’s a #NJDevils
He would instantly change the complexion & culture of the team
Fellow @NJDevils Fans,
Wake it up. Shake it out.
Does anything still move you since you're educated now?...
Do you believe there's still some magic left somewhere inside our souls?
@kaforge I don’t disagree however that being said I think the new GM will
Make sure to prioritize those conversations. If they are wayyyyy off then yea you’re gonna have to move him.
When a new GM comes in, top priority is conversations with Nico & opening up the extension talk. If both camps are extremely far apart then there wouldn’t be a choice but to trade him. #NJDevils
I don’t want to hold too much stock into this quote. We’ll see what happens
Nico Hischier on if Tom Fitzgerald being out as GM changes anything about his future. He’s eligible to sign extension on July 1. UFA in 2027.
“I’m focusing on playing hockey here. I still have one more year. So I’m with the Devils right now and then we’ll see what happens.”😬
Jacks been saying all the right things & has grown so much as a leader since the Olympics. #NJDevils
This offseason is going to be massive to shape the next 3/4 seasons.