Claude Lemieux, one of the most decorated players in NHL history, died Thursday after taking his own life, according to authorities. He was 60.
The death came just days after Lemieux had been celebrated in Montreal, where he served as the torchbearer for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final at Bell Centre on Monday—a moment that drew a roaring ovation from the crowd for one of the franchise's most beloved champions. The Canadiens beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3 to 2 in overtime that night.
Born in Buckingham, Quebec, Lemieux built a legacy unlike almost any other in the sport—winning the Stanley Cup four times with three different franchises: the Montreal Canadiens in 1986, the New Jersey Devils in 1995 and 2000, and the Colorado Avalanche in 1996.
Commissioner Gary Bettman called him "one of the greatest big-game players in hockey history" and noted that Lemieux's teams reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 15 consecutive seasons, according to a statement from the league.
Lemieux broke in with Montreal during the 1985 and 86 season, playing just 10 regular-season games before putting on one of the most electrifying postseason performances in franchise history—scoring 10 goals with six assists, including two overtime winners, as the Canadiens captured the Stanley Cup in 20 games. He was 20 years old.
He went on to score at least 20 goals in each of his first three full seasons with Montreal, becoming the sixth player in franchise history to accomplish that feat. He was traded to New Jersey in Sept., 1990, where he rediscovered his offensive game, posting 30 goals in his first season with the Devils and a career-high 41 the following year.
His best regular-season came in 1992 and 93, when he tallied 81 points on 30 goals and 51 assists. But it was in the 1995 playoffs that he cemented his legend, scoring 13 goals in 20 games to lead New Jersey to its first Stanley Cup title and earn the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
"To be the most hated man in hockey and have your name on the Conn Smythe Trophy, it's special," Lemieux said at the time.
That reputation as a villain was fueled in part by a 1996 incident during the Western Conference Final, when Lemieux drove Detroit Red Wings forward Kris Draper hard into the boards from behind in Game 6. Draper suffered facial injuries requiring surgery, and Lemieux received a major penalty, a game misconduct, and a two-game suspension. It sparked one of the most bitter rivalries in hockey history—but Lemieux returned to help the Avalanche capture the Cup that same spring.
Darren McCarty, the Red Wings enforcer who clashed repeatedly with Lemieux, posted a broken heart emoji on social media and later addressed the news in a video message on YouTube after hearing from Draper. "Sad day: another brother gone," McCarty said. "If you're struggling out there, no matter what, just reach out for some help. It can never be that bad. It's a sad day, no matter what. Rest in peace, Claude."
Montreal coach Martin St. Louis, who faced Lemieux during his own playing career, offered a simple tribute. "Just hard-nosed, a hard-nosed player," St. Louis said. "When I played against Claude, you had to fight for every inch on the ice with him. He competed hard. He always toed the line. He was a hard player to play against."
Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said in a statement: "Today is a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community. A fierce competitor who rose to the occasion in big moments, Claude was a relentless, courageous, and tenacious player who led the team to the highest honors. He embodied the very essence of being a Montreal Canadiens player."
Colorado president of hockey operations Joe Sakic, who was teammates with Lemieux on the Avalanche, called him a "loyal friend" in a statement released Thursday. "'Pepe' was a terrific hockey player, a fierce competitor and a champion in every way. He was also a loyal friend who would do anything for his teammates and someone you could always count on," Sakic said. "Gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace my friend."
After his playing days ended—which included brief stints with Phoenix, Dallas, San Jose and even a late comeback in China and the AHL at age 43—Lemieux became a player agent with 4sports Hockey. His clients included Carolina goalie Frederik Andersen, New Jersey forward Timo Meier, Detroit defenseman Moritz Seider and Boston's Hampus Lindholm.
At a December gathering celebrating the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Stanley Cup title, Lemieux reflected on what it meant to win. "When it's happening, when you're in the middle of it, you don't quite appreciate it as much as you should," he said.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah, and four children: Brendan, Claudia, Michael, and Christopher. His brother Jocelyn and son Brendan both played in the NHL as well.