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Claude Lemieux, 4-time Stanley Cup champion, dies at 60

ESPN NHL •
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Claude Lemieux, who captured four Stanley Cup titles during his NHL career, died Thursday at age 60. The Montreal Canadiens selected Lemieux in the second round of the 1983 draft, launching a 1,215-game career where he recorded 786 points. Lemieux played seven seasons with Montreal before stints with New Jersey Devils and Colorado Avalanche.

Lemieux excelled in the postseason, posting a 0.68 points-per-game average across 234 playoff contests. His stellar 1995 playoff performance earned the Conn Smythe Trophy, highlighted by 13 goals in 20 games as the Devils captured the championship. He added additional Cups with the Canadiens in 1986 and Avalanche in 1996, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer.

His aggressive style generated 1,777 penalty minutes and created memorable controversy, particularly the 1996 hit on Kris Draper that sparked a violent line brawl. Lemieux became an NHLPA-certified agent after retirement, representing players including Moritz Seider and Frederik Andersen.

The NHL Alumni Association confirmed his passing, noting he was surrounded by family. Lemieux's legacy spans championship excellence and unforgettable playoff moments that defined an era of hockey.