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Four-time Stanley Cup winner Claude Lemieux dies at 60: What we know
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- Four-time Stanley Cup winner Claude Lemieux dies at 60: What we know
Four-time Stanley Cup winner Claude Lemieux, who was playoff MVP in 1995 and was involved in a controversial hit in 1996, died Thursday at age 60, the Montreal Canadiens announced.
Lemieux, known for his pesky play and clutch goals, won his first Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1986.
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"Today is a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community. I wish to express my most sincere and deepest condolences to Claude's family and loved ones," said Geoff Molson, owner and CEO of Groupe CH. "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."
Lemieux had carried the torch into Montreal's Bell Centre before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on May 25.
Reaction: Hockey world mourns Claude Lemieux's death
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Lemieux won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1995 as the New Jersey Devils swept the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Final.
He said at the postgame news conference that he was motivated while sitting in Jamaica and watching the broadcast of the New York Rangers lifting the Stanley Cup in 1994. The Devils had lost to the Rangers in double overtime of Game 7 in the conference finals.
"With last year being so close ... I was crying like a baby," he said.
Lemieux responded with a league-best 13 goals during the 1995 postseason and got his name on a playoff MVP trophy filled with the names of Hall of Famers and future Hall of Famers
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"To be the most hated guy in hockey and have your name on this trophy is special," Lemieux said.
He joined the Colorado Avalanche in a trade that offseason after a dispute about his contract and won his third Stanley Cup. During the postseason run, he hit Kris Draper from behind into the boards, leaving the Red Wings player with severe facial injuries. Lemieux received a two-game suspension.
The Red Wings and Avalanche got into a brawl the following season as they tried to get back at Lemieux.
Darren McCarty, who fought Lemieux, reacted on social media to Lemieux's death.
"This is extremely sad no matter what feelings from past or present you hold," he wrote on X. "My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends and people who got to see the person off the ice wasn't the person on. As I've said and will always call it as I see it 'If your on the ICE with Claude Lemieux and your turn your back. YOU Are an IDIOT. But off the ICE I'll turn mine.'"
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Lemieux moved back to the Devils for one season in 1999-2000, winning his fourth Stanley Cup.
He finished his career with the Phoenix Coyotes and Dallas Stars and then played 18 games during a comeback with the San Jose Sharks in the 2008-09 season.
Lemieux became a player agent after his retirement, representing Frederik Andersen , Timo Meier and Moritz Seider , among others. His son, Brendan, played in the NHL from 2017-24.
Claude Lemieux
’s NHL career was marked by playoff performances and key moments across multiple teams.
See the moments that trace Lemieux’s path through a long career on the ice, including his role in defining games.
Above, Goaltender Mike Richter of the USA stops Claude Lemieux of Canada on a breakaway in the third period the World Cup of Hockey at Molson Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 1996. Richter made 35 saves in the game and was voted the tournament's MVP.
Claude Lemieux of Canada and Keith Tkachuk of the USA go at each other after a fight broke out 20 seconds into the first period of the USA- Canada World Cup of Ice Hockey at the CoreStates Center in Philadelphia. USA defeated Canada.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
Right wing Claude Lemieux of the Colorado Avalanche in action during a game against the New Jersey Devils at the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, Colorado in 1997. The Devils won the game 4-1.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
Rightwinger Claude Lemieux of the Colorado Avalanche in action during a game against the Los Angeles Kings at the McNichols Sports Arena in 1997 in Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche lost to the Kings 4-2.
(Nevin Reid, Getty Images)
Right wing Claude Lemieux of the Colorado Avalanche in action during a game against the New Jersey Devils in 1997.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
Claude Lemieux of the Colorado Avalanche controls the puck during the game against the Nashville Predators at the McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado in 1997. The Avalanche defeated the Predators 3-1.
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)
Right wing Claude Lemieux of the Colorado Avalanche in action during a game against the Boston Bruins at the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, Colorado in 1997.
(Brian Bahr, Getty Images)
Right wing Claude Lemieux, left wing Waleri Kamensky of the Colorado Avalanche celebrate during a playoff game against the Detroit Red wings at the McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado. The Red wings won the game 4-2.
(Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images)
Right wing Claude Lemieux of the Colorado Avalanche in action during a game against the Calgary Flames at the McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado in 1998. The Flames won the game 3-1.
(Brian Bahr, Getty Images)
Right wing Claude Lemieux of the Colorado Avalanche in action during a game against the Buffalo Sabres at the Marine Midland Arena in Buffalo, New York in 1998. The teams won the game 2-2.
(Rick Stewart, Getty Images)
Claude Lemieux of the New Jersey Devils skates on the ice during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey in 1999. The Devils defeated the Flyers 2-1.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
Right winger Claude Lemieux of the New Jersey Devils takes a shot against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first period of Game 1 of their NHL semi-final game at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 2000. The Maple Leafs won the game 2-1.
(Rick Stewart, Getty Images)
Claude Lemieux of the New Jersey Devils celebrates with the Stanley Cup Trophy as he skates around the rink after winning the 2000 Stanley Cup Finals game against the Dallas Stars at Reunion Arena on June 10, 2000, in Dallas, Texas.
(Jim McIsaac, Getty Images)
Claude Lemieux of the New Jersey Devils and Scott Gomez celebrate with the Stanley Cup Trophy after winning the 2000 Stanley Cup Finals game against the Dallas Stars at Reunion Arena on June 10, 2000, in Dallas, Texas.
(Jim McIsaac, Getty Images)
Right wing Claude Lemieux #22 of the Phoenix Coyotes waits for the puck during the NHL game against the Torono Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada in 2001. The Leafs defeated the Coyotes 6-3.
(Dave Sandford, Getty Images/NHLI)
Right wing Claude Lemieux of the Phoenix Coyotes pins right wing Ryan VandenBussche of the Chicago Blackhawks against the boards during NHL action at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois in 2002.
(Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)
Claude Lemieux of the Dallas Stars poses for a portrait on September 15, 2003, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
(Getty Images, Getty Images)
Claude Lemieux of the San Jose Sharks warms up before playing the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on February 15, 2009 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Sharks 6-5.
(Jim McIsaac, Getty Images)
Claude Lemieux of the San Jose Sharks warms up against the Anaheim Ducks during Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinal Round of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 21, 2009, in Anaheim, California.
(Harry How, Getty Images)
Claude Lemieux of the San Jose Sharks looks on against the Anaheim Ducks during Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinal Round of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 21, 2009, in Anaheim, California.
(Harry How, Getty Images)
Former Monreal Canadien Claude Lemieux skates during the Centennial Celebration ceremonies prior to the NHL game between the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins on December 4, 2009, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Canadiens defeated the Bruins 5-1.
(Richard Wolowicz, Getty Images)
Former New Jersey Devils player Claude Lemieux is introduced during a ceremony honoring the 1995 Stanley Cup Championship team before the game between the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers on March 8, 2015, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
(Elsa, Getty Images)
The 1995 New Jersey Devils Stanley Cup championship team is honored before the game between the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers at Prudential Center.
(Ed Mulholland, USA TODAY Sports)
Cammi Granato of the USA Legends celebrates her goal with Claude Lemieux #22 of the Canada Legends at the Legends Classic Hockey Game at the Air Canada Centre on November 7, 2010, in Toronto, Canada.
(Bruce Bennett, Getty Images)
Claude Lemieux of the Canada Legends enjoys a goal against of the USA Legends at the Legends Classic Hockey Game at the Air Canada Centre on November 7, 2010, in Toronto, Canada.
(Bruce Bennett, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Claude Lemieux
’s NHL career was marked by playoff performances and key moments across multiple teams.
See the moments that trace Lemieux’s path through a long career on the ice, including his role in defining games.
Above, Goaltender Mike Richter of the USA stops Claude Lemieux of Canada on a breakaway in the third period the World Cup of Hockey at Molson Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 1996. Richter made 35 saves in the game and was voted the tournament's MVP.
1
/25
Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Claude Lemieux
’s NHL career was marked by playoff performances and key moments across multiple teams.
See the moments that trace Lemieux’s path through a long career on the ice, including his role in defining games.
Above, Goaltender Mike Richter of the USA stops Claude Lemieux of Canada on a breakaway in the third period the World Cup of Hockey at Molson Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 1996. Richter made 35 saves in the game and was voted the tournament's MVP.
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Claude Lemieux of Canada and Keith Tkachuk of the USA go at each other after a fight broke out 20 seconds into the first period of the USA- Canada World Cup of Ice Hockey at the CoreStates Center in Philadelphia. USA defeated Canada.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Right wing Claude Lemieux of the Colorado Avalanche in action during a game against the New Jersey Devils at the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, Colorado in 1997. The Devils won the game 4-1.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Rightwinger Claude Lemieux of the Colorado Avalanche in action during a game against the Los Angeles Kings at the McNichols Sports Arena in 1997 in Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche lost to the Kings 4-2.
(Nevin Reid, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Right wing Claude Lemieux of the Colorado Avalanche in action during a game against the New Jersey Devils in 1997.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Claude Lemieux of the Colorado Avalanche controls the puck during the game against the Nashville Predators at the McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado in 1997. The Avalanche defeated the Predators 3-1.
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Right wing Claude Lemieux of the Colorado Avalanche in action during a game against the Boston Bruins at the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, Colorado in 1997.
(Brian Bahr, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Right wing Claude Lemieux, left wing Waleri Kamensky of the Colorado Avalanche celebrate during a playoff game against the Detroit Red wings at the McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado. The Red wings won the game 4-2.
(Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Right wing Claude Lemieux of the Colorado Avalanche in action during a game against the Calgary Flames at the McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado in 1998. The Flames won the game 3-1.
(Brian Bahr, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Right wing Claude Lemieux of the Colorado Avalanche in action during a game against the Buffalo Sabres at the Marine Midland Arena in Buffalo, New York in 1998. The teams won the game 2-2.
(Rick Stewart, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Claude Lemieux of the New Jersey Devils skates on the ice during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey in 1999. The Devils defeated the Flyers 2-1.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Right winger Claude Lemieux of the New Jersey Devils takes a shot against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first period of Game 1 of their NHL semi-final game at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 2000. The Maple Leafs won the game 2-1.
(Rick Stewart, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Claude Lemieux of the New Jersey Devils celebrates with the Stanley Cup Trophy as he skates around the rink after winning the 2000 Stanley Cup Finals game against the Dallas Stars at Reunion Arena on June 10, 2000, in Dallas, Texas.
(Jim McIsaac, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Claude Lemieux of the New Jersey Devils and Scott Gomez celebrate with the Stanley Cup Trophy after winning the 2000 Stanley Cup Finals game against the Dallas Stars at Reunion Arena on June 10, 2000, in Dallas, Texas.
(Jim McIsaac, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Right wing Claude Lemieux #22 of the Phoenix Coyotes waits for the puck during the NHL game against the Torono Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada in 2001. The Leafs defeated the Coyotes 6-3.
(Dave Sandford, Getty Images/NHLI)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Right wing Claude Lemieux of the Phoenix Coyotes pins right wing Ryan VandenBussche of the Chicago Blackhawks against the boards during NHL action at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois in 2002.
(Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Claude Lemieux of the Dallas Stars poses for a portrait on September 15, 2003, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
(Getty Images, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Claude Lemieux of the San Jose Sharks warms up before playing the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on February 15, 2009 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Sharks 6-5.
(Jim McIsaac, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Claude Lemieux of the San Jose Sharks warms up against the Anaheim Ducks during Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinal Round of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 21, 2009, in Anaheim, California.
(Harry How, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Claude Lemieux of the San Jose Sharks looks on against the Anaheim Ducks during Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinal Round of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 21, 2009, in Anaheim, California.
(Harry How, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Former Monreal Canadien Claude Lemieux skates during the Centennial Celebration ceremonies prior to the NHL game between the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins on December 4, 2009, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Canadiens defeated the Bruins 5-1.
(Richard Wolowicz, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Former New Jersey Devils player Claude Lemieux is introduced during a ceremony honoring the 1995 Stanley Cup Championship team before the game between the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers on March 8, 2015, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
(Elsa, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
The 1995 New Jersey Devils Stanley Cup championship team is honored before the game between the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers at Prudential Center.
(Ed Mulholland, USA TODAY Sports)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Cammi Granato of the USA Legends celebrates her goal with Claude Lemieux #22 of the Canada Legends at the Legends Classic Hockey Game at the Air Canada Centre on November 7, 2010, in Toronto, Canada.
(Bruce Bennett, Getty Images)
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Remembering Claude Lemieux’s NHL career in photos
Claude Lemieux of the Canada Legends enjoys a goal against of the USA Legends at the Legends Classic Hockey Game at the Air Canada Centre on November 7, 2010, in Toronto, Canada.
(Bruce Bennett, Getty Images)
Claude Lemieux cause of death update
USA TODAY Sports contacted the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Office but has been notified that the information it has for Claude Lemieux is "exempt from public records."
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The Palm County Medical Examiner's Office told USA TODAY Sports in response to an open records request that "all public records you have requested for Claude Lemieux are exempt from public records as specified under SB 474 - FS 406.135. (2) (c)."
The Florida statute cited by the Palm County Medical Examiner's Office was enacted in 2024 and exempts photos, videos, audio recordings and autopsy reports related to suicide victims from general public records requests.
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Sports figures we lost in 2026
Craig Morton, football, 1943-2026
(Malcolm Emmons, USA TODAY Sports)
42
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Sports figures we lost in 2026
Bobby Cox, baseball, 1941-2026
(John David Mercer, US PRESSWIRE)
43
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Ted Turner, baseball, 1938-2026
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
44
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Joe Senser, football, 1956-2026
(Manny Rubio, US PRESSWIRE)
45
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
John Sterling, baseball, 1938-20026
(Bob Karp, USA TODAY NETWORK)
46
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Sports figures we lost in 2026
Alex Zanardi, auto racing, 1966-2026
(Fabrizio Bensch, Reuters)
47
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Sports figures we lost in 2026
Josh Mauro, football, 1991-2026
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)
48
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Sports figures we lost in 2026
Monte Coleman, football, 1957-2026
(Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images)
49
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Sports figures we lost in 2026
Rod Martin, football, 1954-2026
(US PRESSWIRE)
50
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Jim Jabir, basketball, 1962-2026
(Joseph Cress, Iowa City Press-Citizen via Imagn Content Services, LLC)
51
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Dave McGinnis, football, 1951-2026
(Harry How, Getty Images)
52
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Phil Garner, baseball, 1949-2026
(Tim Heitman, US PRESSWIRE)
53
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Browning Nagle, football, 1968-2026
54
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Davey Lopes, baseball, 1945-2026
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, US PRESSWIRE)
55
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Tom Nieto, baseball, 1960-2026
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)
56
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Joey Browner, football, 1960-2026
(US PRESSWIRE)
57
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Jeff Siemon, football, 1950-2026
(Malcolm Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)
58
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Barret Robbins, football, 1973-2026
(Scott Halleran, Getty Images)
59
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Matt Snell, football, 1941-2026
(David Boss, US PRESSWIRE)
60
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Troy Murray, hockey, 1962-2026
(Mike Powell, Getty Images)
61
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Bob Harlan, football, 1936-2026
(Kyle Bursaw, Press-Gazette Media)
62
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Lou Holtz, football, 1937-2026
(US PRESSWIRE)
63
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Dominiq Ponder, football, 2002-2026
(NADIA ZOMORODIAN, NEWS-JOURNAL)
64
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Bruce Froemming, baseball, 1939-2026
(Tom Szczerbowski, US PRESSWIRE)
65
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Jeff Galloway, Olympics, 1945-2026
66
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Rondale Moore, football, 2000-2026
(Eric Schlene, For the Journal & Courier)
67
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Kara Braxton, basketball, 1983-2026
(Jennifer Stewart, US PRESSWIRE)
68
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Bill Mazeroski, baseball, 1936-2026
69
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Mike Wagner (right), football, 1949-2026
70
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Doug Moe, basketball, 1938-2026
(Damian Strohmeyer, Getty Images)
71
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Tre Johnson, football, 1971-2026
(Doug Pensinger, Getty Images)
72
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Sports figures we lost in 2026
Elroy Face, baseball, 1928-2026
(Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports)
73
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Tracy Scroggins, football, 1969-2026
(Danny Moloshok, Getty Images)
74
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Sports figures we lost in 2026
Barry Wilburn, football, 1963-2026
(Bob Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports)
75
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Terrance Gore, baseball, 1991-2026
(Jay Biggerstaff, Imagn Images)
76
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Sports figures we lost in 2026
Sonny Jurgensen, football, 1934-2026
77
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
John Brodie, football, 1935-2026
(Malcolm Emmons, USA TODAY Sports)
78
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Kevin Johnson, football, 1970-2026
79
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Wilbur Wood, baseball, 1941-2026
(Malcolm Emmons, USA TODAY Sports)
80
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Phil Goyette, hockey, 1933-2026
81
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Eddie McCreadie, soccer, 1940-2026
(Evening Standard, Getty Images)
82
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Sports figures we lost in 2026
Dave Giusti, baseball, 1939-2026
(Malcolm Emmons, USA TODAY Sports)
83
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Sports figures we lost in 2026
Martin Chivers, soccer, 1945-2026
84
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Billy Truax, football, 1943-2026
(Dick Raphael, US PRESSWIRE)
85
/86
Sports figures we lost in 2026
Jawann Oldham, basketball, 1957-2026
(Ken Levine, Getty Images)
86
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Sports figures we lost in 2026
Robert Pulford, hockey, 1936-2026
(Getty Images, Getty Images)
Claude Lemieux statistics
Lemieux played 21 NHL seasons and finished with 379 goals, 407 assists and 1,777 penalty minutes in 1,215 games.
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He also had 80 goals, including 19 game-winners, 78 assists and 529 penalty minutes in 234 playoff games. He led the playoffs in goals in 1995 and 1997, with 13 each time.
Gary Bettman statement on Claude Lemieux
NHL commissioner has released a statement in the wake of Lemieux's death.
"The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the greatest big-game players in hockey history," he wrote. You can read the full statement here .
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Claude Lemieux, four-time Stanley Cup winner, dies at 60
