Category: Ice Hockey

The NHL lost a total legend on Thursday, when NHL legend Claude Lemieux passed away at the age of 60 in Florida.

Lemieux played 1,215 NHL regular-season games along with 234 playoff games, winning four Stanley Cups and one Conn Smythe Trophy.

Lemieux has the ninth-most playoff goals in NHL history with 80, and has the 27th most points with 158.

Lemieux won two Stanley Cups with ex-New York Islanders' coach Patrick Roy, in 1986 with the Montreal Canadiens and in 1996 with the Colorado Avalanche.

The duo were teammates for a decade total, first with the Canadiens from 1984 until 1990, then reuniting in Colorado from 1996 until 2000.

Roy eulogized Lemieux Thursday evening:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of Claude Lemieux's passing," Roy said in a statement to TVA's Renaud Lavoie. "Claude was an exceptional teammate, a fierce competitor, a key element in several of our greatest achievements, and a player who left his mark on our sport.

"His intensity and determination made him a player respected by his teammates and feared by his opponents. We shared unforgettable moments, memorable victories, and a shared passion for hockey. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this ordeal.”

Lemieux's Conn Smythe victory came in 1995 with the New Jersey Devils and then-general manager Lou Lamoriello.

Lamoriello, the Islanders' President of Hockey Operations and General Manager from 2018 until 2025, traded for Lemieux twice while with the Devils, first in 1990 and then early in the 1999-2000 season.

The Devils went on to win the Stanley Cup in 2000, with Lemieux playing a key role.

Lamoriello spoke to The Athletic about his relationship with Lemieux and his untimely passing.

"Lamoriello told The Athletic on Thursday how 'shocked' he was by the death of his former player and an agent with whom he negotiated contracts."

Lemieux, a player agent post-retirement, represented several active NHL players, including Pierre Engvall, signing his current contract with the Islanders and Lamoriello on July 1, 2023.

The NHL lost a total legend on Thursday, when NHL legend Claude Lemieux passed away at the age of 60 in Florida.

Lemieux played 1,215 NHL regular-season games along with 234 playoff games, winning four Stanley Cups and one Conn Smythe Trophy.

Lemieux has the ninth-most playoff goals in NHL history with 80, and has the 27th most points with 158.

Lemieux won two Stanley Cups with ex-New York Islanders' coach Patrick Roy, in 1986 with the Montreal Canadiens and in 1996 with the Colorado Avalanche.

The duo were teammates for a decade total, first with the Canadiens from 1984 until 1990, then reuniting in Colorado from 1996 until 2000.

Roy eulogized Lemieux Thursday evening:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of Claude Lemieux's passing," Roy said in a statement to TVA's Renaud Lavoie. "Claude was an exceptional teammate, a fierce competitor, a key element in several of our greatest achievements, and a player who left his mark on our sport.

"His intensity and determination made him a player respected by his teammates and feared by his opponents. We shared unforgettable moments, memorable victories, and a shared passion for hockey. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this ordeal.”

Lemieux's Conn Smythe victory came in 1995 with the New Jersey Devils and then-general manager Lou Lamoriello.

Lamoriello, the Islanders' President of Hockey Operations and General Manager from 2018 until 2025, traded for Lemieux twice while with the Devils, first in 1990 and then early in the 1999-2000 season.

The Devils went on to win the Stanley Cup in 2000, with Lemieux playing a key role.

Lamoriello spoke to The Athletic about his relationship with Lemieux and his untimely passing.

"Lamoriello told The Athletic on Thursday how 'shocked' he was by the death of his former player and an agent with whom he negotiated contracts."

Lemieux, a player agent post-retirement, represented several active NHL players, including Pierre Engvall, signing his current contract with the Islanders and Lamoriello on July 1, 2023.

Believe it or not, we're only a month away from the 2026 NHL Draft, which will be held from June 26-27 in Buffalo.

Hype is beginning to build for it, especially since the 2026 NHL Combine is also in Buffalo from June. 1-6. It's set to start on Monday and go through next Saturday, giving teams the chance to meet with and interview some of the top prospects. Teams can also get physical assessments for the players and review their medicals. 

The Pittsburgh Penguins will have members of their front office there to talk with some of the players who could be available to them at No. 22 in the first round. 

One of the players who could be there is defenseman Ryan Lin, who spent the 2025-26 season with the WHL's Vancouver Giants. He finished this past season with 14 goals and 57 points in 53 games and is set to play for the University of Denver during the 2026-27 season. 

When I watch Lin play, the words "steady" and "reliable" come to mind. He's always in a good position and has good pinching tendencies. He really knows when to pull back and avoid what I like to call "30/70" pinches. 

He also knows exactly when to jump into the play, and there were numerous moments throughout this season when he would smartly come down and absolutely rifle the puck. He's not afraid to rip it when he gets the chance. 

Lin has experience quarterbacking the power play and has had some impressive keeps at the blue line. One example I keep coming back to is from the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Semifinal between Canada and Team USA, when he dove across to keep the puck at the point. Tynan Lawrence then corralled the puck along the boards before cutting to the slot and firing the puck home. 

He also moves the puck extremely well from his own zone, and an example of this comes from Vancouver's game against Kamloops this past season. Lin started from behind his net and quickly got a burst of speed coming out of his own zone. He quickly gained the red line before skating the puck into the offensive zone, dropping the puck off for a teammate. The puck was in the back of the net two seconds later, and it all started because of Lin's breakout. 

He's a solid skater with good hockey IQ, but I still think he could bulk up a bit. He's currently listed at 5'11 and 176 lbs, but the important thing to remember is that he's still only 18. 

Kelly Cup Playoffs: Wheeling Goes Down 3-0 In Eastern Conference Final After Wednesday LossThe Wheeling Nailers, ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, now find themselves facing elimination ahead of Game 4 on Saturday.

Finally, his own-zone play is really solid, along with his gap control. He's an all-around solid defenseman who will have numerous teams looking at him in the first round.

The Penguins should be one of those teams, since they still need to add more to their defensive pipeline. It'll all come down to whether or not Lin is there when it's their turn to pick. If he is, he'd be a good pick with a chance to become a reliable top-four defenseman. 

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Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!  

Believe it or not, we're only a month away from the 2026 NHL Draft, which will be held from June 26-27 in Buffalo.

Hype is beginning to build for it, especially since the 2026 NHL Combine is also in Buffalo from June. 1-6. It's set to start on Monday and go through next Saturday, giving teams the chance to meet with and interview some of the top prospects. Teams can also get physical assessments for the players and review their medicals. 

The Pittsburgh Penguins will have members of their front office there to talk with some of the players who could be available to them at No. 22 in the first round. 

One of the players who could be there is defenseman Ryan Lin, who spent the 2025-26 season with the WHL's Vancouver Giants. He finished this past season with 14 goals and 57 points in 53 games and is set to play for the University of Denver during the 2026-27 season. 

When I watch Lin play, the words "steady" and "reliable" come to mind. He's always in a good position and has good pinching tendencies. He really knows when to pull back and avoid what I like to call "30/70" pinches. 

He also knows exactly when to jump into the play, and there were numerous moments throughout this season when he would smartly come down and absolutely rifle the puck. He's not afraid to rip it when he gets the chance. 

Lin has experience quarterbacking the power play and has had some impressive keeps at the blue line. One example I keep coming back to is from the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Semifinal between Canada and Team USA, when he dove across to keep the puck at the point. Tynan Lawrence then corralled the puck along the boards before cutting to the slot and firing the puck home. 

He also moves the puck extremely well from his own zone, and an example of this comes from Vancouver's game against Kamloops this past season. Lin started from behind his net and quickly got a burst of speed coming out of his own zone. He quickly gained the red line before skating the puck into the offensive zone, dropping the puck off for a teammate. The puck was in the back of the net two seconds later, and it all started because of Lin's breakout. 

He's a solid skater with good hockey IQ, but I still think he could bulk up a bit. He's currently listed at 5'11 and 176 lbs, but the important thing to remember is that he's still only 18. 

Kelly Cup Playoffs: Wheeling Goes Down 3-0 In Eastern Conference Final After Wednesday LossThe Wheeling Nailers, ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, now find themselves facing elimination ahead of Game 4 on Saturday.

Finally, his own-zone play is really solid, along with his gap control. He's an all-around solid defenseman who will have numerous teams looking at him in the first round.

The Penguins should be one of those teams, since they still need to add more to their defensive pipeline. It'll all come down to whether or not Lin is there when it's their turn to pick. If he is, he'd be a good pick with a chance to become a reliable top-four defenseman. 

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Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!  

Before the offseason ever achieved liftoff, the Philadelphia Flyers are already about to be down one superstar forward they could have considered signing to an offer sheet this summer.

While he is not a center, Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson was, by far and away, the top RFA of the 2026 free agent class.

The 26-year-old scored 109 points in the 2022-23 season and racked up another 96 this season, scoring 40 goals for the third time in his NHL career.

Robertson also averaged a career-high 20:15 of ice time this season as he emerges as one of the NHL's premier two-way forwards to go with his goal-scoring exploits.

The problem, though, is that the Flyers probably won't even be able to take a crack at signing him now.

According to NHL insider Emily Kaplan's latest report for ESPN,  "The Jason Robertson saga will finally see some clarity and all signs point to an extension in Dallas, rather than a trade."

No trade, no offer sheet, no dice for the Flyers.

Speaking of the offer sheet, Kaplan added that, "for one to actually happen, everything has to line up: cap space, draft-pick compensation, player buy-in and a team willing to push the risk. That's why the noise almost always outweighs the action."

There are not many legitimate offer sheet candidates on the free agent market this year for the Flyers anyway, or at least ones that move the needle like Robertson or a skilled young center would.

Pipe dreams like Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, and Connor Bedard are almost assuredly not going to happen barring an unforeseen warp in time-space.

It isn't like the Flyers necessarily needed to add another winger, anyway, but any time you can add a player of Robertson's ilk to your roster, you have to do it.

That would have been an ambitious move for a Flyers team that just made the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since the pandemic, but ultimately, it doesn't seem like it's meant to be.

Plus, signing Robertson to the cap hit needed to choke the Stars out of his price range would have required the Flyers to fork over their first-round pick in each of the next four drafts, starting with 2027, which would severely inhibit their ability to add to the roster in other ways and build a sustainable team flush with young talent to complement the older players.

Going forward, though, the Flyers would be wise to consider other, more low-key offer sheet candidates.

Before the offseason ever achieved liftoff, the Philadelphia Flyers are already about to be down one superstar forward they could have considered signing to an offer sheet this summer.

While he is not a center, Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson was, by far and away, the top RFA of the 2026 free agent class.

The 26-year-old scored 109 points in the 2022-23 season and racked up another 96 this season, scoring 40 goals for the third time in his NHL career.

Robertson also averaged a career-high 20:15 of ice time this season as he emerges as one of the NHL's premier two-way forwards to go with his goal-scoring exploits.

The problem, though, is that the Flyers probably won't even be able to take a crack at signing him now.

According to NHL insider Emily Kaplan's latest report for ESPN,  "The Jason Robertson saga will finally see some clarity and all signs point to an extension in Dallas, rather than a trade."

No trade, no offer sheet, no dice for the Flyers.

Speaking of the offer sheet, Kaplan added that, "for one to actually happen, everything has to line up: cap space, draft-pick compensation, player buy-in and a team willing to push the risk. That's why the noise almost always outweighs the action."

There are not many legitimate offer sheet candidates on the free agent market this year for the Flyers anyway, or at least ones that move the needle like Robertson or a skilled young center would.

Pipe dreams like Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, and Connor Bedard are almost assuredly not going to happen barring an unforeseen warp in time-space.

It isn't like the Flyers necessarily needed to add another winger, anyway, but any time you can add a player of Robertson's ilk to your roster, you have to do it.

That would have been an ambitious move for a Flyers team that just made the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since the pandemic, but ultimately, it doesn't seem like it's meant to be.

Plus, signing Robertson to the cap hit needed to choke the Stars out of his price range would have required the Flyers to fork over their first-round pick in each of the next four drafts, starting with 2027, which would severely inhibit their ability to add to the roster in other ways and build a sustainable team flush with young talent to complement the older players.

Going forward, though, the Flyers would be wise to consider other, more low-key offer sheet candidates.

NHL legend Patrick Roy joined the hockey world in paying respects to Claude Lemieux, who died Thursday at 60 years old after a reported suicide attempt.

The former Islanders head coach, who was teammates with Lemieux in Montreal and Colorado during his playing career, said in a statement that he was “deeply saddened” upon learning of the four-time Stanley Cup winner’s sudden death.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of Claude Lemieux’s passing,” Roy said in French in a statement to reporter Renaud Lavoie. “Claude was an exceptional teammate, a fierce competitor, a key element in several of our greatest achievements, and a player who left his mark on our sport. His intensity and determination made him a player respected by his teammates and feared by his opponents.

“We shared unforgettable moments, memorable victories, and a shared passion for hockey. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this ordeal.”

The Hall of Fame goalie was teammates twice with Lemieux, with the two playing together on the Canadiens from 1984-90 and reuniting on the Avalanche from 1996-2000.

Roy and Lemieux won two Stanley Cups together, once in Montreal in the 1985-86 season and again in Colorado a decade later, taking home the championship in 1995-96.

Lemieux spent 21 seasons in the NHL, playing for the Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, Coyotes, Stars and Sharks throughout his career.

The forward racked up a total of 379 goals and 407 assists in 1,215 regular season games, along with 158 points through 234 postseason matches.

According to multiple reports, Lemieux’s death was ruled a suicide, with authorities finding him in the warehouse of a furniture store he owned in Lake Park, Fla.

The Athletic reported that deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office responded to a suicide attempt at the store, and the business was secured to conduct an investigation.

The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office did not release records to the outlet because of a Florida statue that exempts suicide cases from being viewed by the public.

“The New Jersey Devils organization is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former Devil Claude Lemieux,” the Devils, with whom Lemieux spent parts of six seasons, said in a statement. “A clutch player on the ice and greatly appreciated by Devils’ fans off it, Claude’s impact in bringing the first-ever Stanley Cup to New Jersey will forever be remembered as one of the paramount performances in team history.

“Widely respected throughout the NHL, both as a trusted agent and a valued colleague, Claude leaves behind a lasting legacy within our game that he gave so much to. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.”

---

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.

NHL legend Patrick Roy joined the hockey world in paying respects to Claude Lemieux, who died Thursday at 60 years old after a reported suicide attempt.

The former Islanders head coach, who was teammates with Lemieux in Montreal and Colorado during his playing career, said in a statement that he was “deeply saddened” upon learning of the four-time Stanley Cup winner’s sudden death.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of Claude Lemieux’s passing,” Roy said in French in a statement to reporter Renaud Lavoie. “Claude was an exceptional teammate, a fierce competitor, a key element in several of our greatest achievements, and a player who left his mark on our sport. His intensity and determination made him a player respected by his teammates and feared by his opponents.

“We shared unforgettable moments, memorable victories, and a shared passion for hockey. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this ordeal.”

The Hall of Fame goalie was teammates twice with Lemieux, with the two playing together on the Canadiens from 1984-90 and reuniting on the Avalanche from 1996-2000.

Roy and Lemieux won two Stanley Cups together, once in Montreal in the 1985-86 season and again in Colorado a decade later, taking home the championship in 1995-96.

Lemieux spent 21 seasons in the NHL, playing for the Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, Coyotes, Stars and Sharks throughout his career.

The forward racked up a total of 379 goals and 407 assists in 1,215 regular season games, along with 158 points through 234 postseason matches.

According to multiple reports, Lemieux’s death was ruled a suicide, with authorities finding him in the warehouse of a furniture store he owned in Lake Park, Fla.

The Athletic reported that deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office responded to a suicide attempt at the store, and the business was secured to conduct an investigation.

The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office did not release records to the outlet because of a Florida statue that exempts suicide cases from being viewed by the public.

“The New Jersey Devils organization is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former Devil Claude Lemieux,” the Devils, with whom Lemieux spent parts of six seasons, said in a statement. “A clutch player on the ice and greatly appreciated by Devils’ fans off it, Claude’s impact in bringing the first-ever Stanley Cup to New Jersey will forever be remembered as one of the paramount performances in team history.

“Widely respected throughout the NHL, both as a trusted agent and a valued colleague, Claude leaves behind a lasting legacy within our game that he gave so much to. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.”

---

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Claude Lemieux was found dead at the furniture store he owned in Florida, according to multiple reports.

Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion, died Thursday around 3 a.m. ET in Lake Park. Multiple outlets have reported that he died by suicide.

The 21-year NHL veteran was found by one of his adult sons at the furniture storeroom of Andros Home, WPBF reported. The business Lemieux owned with his wife, Deborah, according to The Athletic.

The county sheriff’s office told The Athletic that its deputies responded to the showroom following a suicide attempt.

Andros Home acknowledged Lemieux’s death in a post on Instagram and called him a co-founder of the business.

“With profound sadness we share news of the unexpected passing of our co-founder Claude Lemieux,” the company wrote. “Claude was an extraordinary presence whose vision, generosity and big heart shaped not only Andros, but the many relationships and lives around him.  Our immediate focus is supporting the Lemieux family during this difficult time. We appreciate everyone’s love and support.”

Lemieux played for six different NHL organizations (Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, Coyotes, Stars and Sharks) in his career was well-known for his work as an agitator on the ice with 1,777 career penalty minutes.

But he was also regarded for his clutch play in the postseason, when he recorded 80 goals and 78 assists in 234 games. In the 1995 playoffs, he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP as the Devils hoisted their first-ever Stanley Cup.

The Devils, like many in the hockey world, expressed their grief over losing Lemieux far too soon.

“The New Jersey Devils organization is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former Devil Claude Lemieux,” the team said. “A clutch player on the ice and greatly appreciated by Devils’ fans off it, Claude’s impact in bringing the first-ever Stanley Cup to New Jersey will forever be remembered as one of the paramount performances in team history.

“Widely respected throughout the NHL, both as a trusted agent and a valued colleague, Claude leaves behind a lasting legacy within our game that he gave so much to. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.”

Lemieux is survived by his wife and four children, including Brendan Lemieux, who played three seasons with the Rangers.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Claude Lemieux was found dead at the furniture store he owned in Florida, according to multiple reports.

Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion, died Thursday around 3 a.m. ET in Lake Park. Multiple outlets have reported that he died by suicide.

The 21-year NHL veteran was found by one of his adult sons at the furniture storeroom of Andros Home, WPBF reported. The business Lemieux owned with his wife, Deborah, according to The Athletic.

The county sheriff’s office told The Athletic that its deputies responded to the showroom following a suicide attempt.

Andros Home acknowledged Lemieux’s death in a post on Instagram and called him a co-founder of the business.

“With profound sadness we share news of the unexpected passing of our co-founder Claude Lemieux,” the company wrote. “Claude was an extraordinary presence whose vision, generosity and big heart shaped not only Andros, but the many relationships and lives around him.  Our immediate focus is supporting the Lemieux family during this difficult time. We appreciate everyone’s love and support.”

Lemieux played for six different NHL organizations (Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, Coyotes, Stars and Sharks) in his career was well-known for his work as an agitator on the ice with 1,777 career penalty minutes.

But he was also regarded for his clutch play in the postseason, when he recorded 80 goals and 78 assists in 234 games. In the 1995 playoffs, he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP as the Devils hoisted their first-ever Stanley Cup.

The Devils, like many in the hockey world, expressed their grief over losing Lemieux far too soon.

“The New Jersey Devils organization is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former Devil Claude Lemieux,” the team said. “A clutch player on the ice and greatly appreciated by Devils’ fans off it, Claude’s impact in bringing the first-ever Stanley Cup to New Jersey will forever be remembered as one of the paramount performances in team history.

“Widely respected throughout the NHL, both as a trusted agent and a valued colleague, Claude leaves behind a lasting legacy within our game that he gave so much to. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.”

Lemieux is survived by his wife and four children, including Brendan Lemieux, who played three seasons with the Rangers.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.

NHL and Avalanche great Joe Sakic joined the hockey world in mourning the death of four-time Stanley Cup winner Claude Lemieux, who reportedly took his own life on Thursday. 

Sakic was teammates with Lemieux for parts of five seasons in Colorado from 1995-96 to early in the 1999-2000 season, when Lemieux was traded to the Devils

The two won a Stanley Cup together in 1996. The Avs legend described Lemieux as a “fierce competitor and a champion.”

“We are devastated to learn of Claude’s passing,” Sakic said in a statement released through the Avalanche. “‘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. Most importantly he was a wonderful family man and there is nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his grandchildren.

“Today is a very sad day for the Avalanche family and Claude will be greatly missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. On behalf of the entire Avalanche organization, we send our love and prayers to Deborah and the Lemieux family. Gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace my friend.”

Lemieux played 21 years in the NHL, spending time with the Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, Coyotes, Stars and Sharks. 

He won his first of four Cups in 1986 with the Canadiens and helped the Devils win the franchise’s first championship in 1995. 

Lemieux arrived in Colorado before the start of the 1995-96 season via trade and became the 10th player in NHL history to win back-to-back Stanley Cups when he lifted hockey’s greatest prize again in 1996.

His fourth came during his second stint with the Devils in 2000. 

The hockey agitator recorded 379 goals and 407 assists in 1,215 regular-season games, and had 158 points in 234 playoff games during his memorable career. 

According to multiple reports, Lemieux died by suicide and was discovered in a furniture store that the ex-NHL player and his wife owned in Lake Park, Fla. 

Deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office responded to a suicide attempt at the showroom and the business was secured in order for an investigation to be conducted, authorities office told The Athletic. 

The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office did not release any records to the outlet due to a Florida statute that exempts suicide cases from public record requirements.

NHL and Avalanche great Joe Sakic joined the hockey world in mourning the death of four-time Stanley Cup winner Claude Lemieux, who reportedly took his own life on Thursday. 

Sakic was teammates with Lemieux for parts of five seasons in Colorado from 1995-96 to early in the 1999-2000 season, when Lemieux was traded to the Devils

The two won a Stanley Cup together in 1996. The Avs legend described Lemieux as a “fierce competitor and a champion.”

“We are devastated to learn of Claude’s passing,” Sakic said in a statement released through the Avalanche. “‘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. Most importantly he was a wonderful family man and there is nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his grandchildren.

“Today is a very sad day for the Avalanche family and Claude will be greatly missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. On behalf of the entire Avalanche organization, we send our love and prayers to Deborah and the Lemieux family. Gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace my friend.”

Lemieux played 21 years in the NHL, spending time with the Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, Coyotes, Stars and Sharks. 

He won his first of four Cups in 1986 with the Canadiens and helped the Devils win the franchise’s first championship in 1995. 

Lemieux arrived in Colorado before the start of the 1995-96 season via trade and became the 10th player in NHL history to win back-to-back Stanley Cups when he lifted hockey’s greatest prize again in 1996.

His fourth came during his second stint with the Devils in 2000. 

The hockey agitator recorded 379 goals and 407 assists in 1,215 regular-season games, and had 158 points in 234 playoff games during his memorable career. 

According to multiple reports, Lemieux died by suicide and was discovered in a furniture store that the ex-NHL player and his wife owned in Lake Park, Fla. 

Deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office responded to a suicide attempt at the showroom and the business was secured in order for an investigation to be conducted, authorities office told The Athletic. 

The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office did not release any records to the outlet due to a Florida statute that exempts suicide cases from public record requirements.

One of Claude Lemieux’s longtime rivals had touching words for the four-time Stanley Cup winner, who died by suicide at the age of 60.

“This is extremely sad no matter what feelings from past or present you hold,” former Red Wings forward Darren McCarty 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.”

McCarty and Lemieux are central figures to the Avalanche-Red Wings rivalry of the late 1990s, with Lemieux infamously injuring Detroit’s Kris Draper with a vicious check from behind in Game 6 of the 1996 Western Conference Final, breaking multiple bones in Draper’s face and requiring reconstructive surgery.

McCarty and his teammates watched Lemieux raise the Stanley Cup — the third of his career — that spring. The following season, in their fourth matchup of 1996-97 and what would later become known as “Fight Night at the Joe,” the McCarty cold-cocked Lemieux and proceeded to rain down punches on him as he lay on the ice at Joe Louis Arena, and later dragged him to where Draper stood on the Red Wings bench.

The game — the regular season finale — served as a rallying point for Detroit, which went on to win the first of back-to-back Cups.

Any ill will between the pair dissipated over the years, with McCarty and Lemieux becoming friends and using their feud to fundraise for charity.

“As I’ve said and will always call it as I see it,” McCarty opined on X, “‘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.'”

Lemieux’s death was announced Thursday, with TMZ reporting the Devils icon was found after committing suicide by one of his adult sons in the family’s furniture store in Florida.

It came days after he returned to Montreal, where he won his first Stanley Cup in 1986 with the Canadiens, to amp up the crowd ahead of the franchise’s Game 3 against the Hurricanes on Monday.

“If you are struggling at all please reach out and talk to someone,” McCarty wrote.

“Godspeed my friend.”

One of Claude Lemieux’s longtime rivals had touching words for the four-time Stanley Cup winner, who died by suicide at the age of 60.

“This is extremely sad no matter what feelings from past or present you hold,” former Red Wings forward Darren McCarty 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.”

McCarty and Lemieux are central figures to the Avalanche-Red Wings rivalry of the late 1990s, with Lemieux infamously injuring Detroit’s Kris Draper with a vicious check from behind in Game 6 of the 1996 Western Conference Final, breaking multiple bones in Draper’s face and requiring reconstructive surgery.

McCarty and his teammates watched Lemieux raise the Stanley Cup — the third of his career — that spring. The following season, in their fourth matchup of 1996-97 and what would later become known as “Fight Night at the Joe,” the McCarty cold-cocked Lemieux and proceeded to rain down punches on him as he lay on the ice at Joe Louis Arena, and later dragged him to where Draper stood on the Red Wings bench.

The game — the regular season finale — served as a rallying point for Detroit, which went on to win the first of back-to-back Cups.

Any ill will between the pair dissipated over the years, with McCarty and Lemieux becoming friends and using their feud to fundraise for charity.

“As I’ve said and will always call it as I see it,” McCarty opined on X, “‘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.'”

Lemieux’s death was announced Thursday, with TMZ reporting the Devils icon was found after committing suicide by one of his adult sons in the family’s furniture store in Florida.

It came days after he returned to Montreal, where he won his first Stanley Cup in 1986 with the Canadiens, to amp up the crowd ahead of the franchise’s Game 3 against the Hurricanes on Monday.

“If you are struggling at all please reach out and talk to someone,” McCarty wrote.

“Godspeed my friend.”