The hockey world was saddened to learn of the passing of Claude Lemieux on Thursday afternoon. The former NHLer was 60 years old. He played 1215 games in his NHL career, playing with six different franchises. After his career was over, he stayed involved with the NHL and became an agent.
Lemieux, affectionately known as 'Pep', played 423 games with the Devils across two different stints. Lou Lamoriello traded for the forward from the Montreal Canadiens in 1990 before the 1990-91 season. It is no coincidence that the Devils became a competitive franchise after Lemieux's acquisition.
Lemieux played a key role in the Devils' early 90s success, and the move paid immediate dividends. Lemeiux registered 259 points in 353 games from 1990 to 1995. During the Devils' run to their first Stanley Cup Championship in the 1995 season, Lemieux had 16 points in 20 games, including 13 goals, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy. Lemieux etched himself into the NHL record books forever.
Lemieux would then play for the Colorado Avalanche for the next five seasons before Lamoriello traded for him again during the 1999-2000 season. Lemieux had 38 points in 70 games in a season where the Devils would win their second Stanley Cup. Lemieux did not have the same success in the playoffs as he did in 1995, but was still very effective. He had 10 points and played in all 23 games that playoff season.
Lemieux won four Stanley Cups with three different franchises across his career, racking up 786 points and 1777 penalty minutes, playing 21 seasons. He was also known as a playoff performer. In 234 career playoff games, Lemieux tallied 80 goals and 78 assists for 158 points. He currently ranks seventh all time in Devils playoff points with 57.
Without Lemieux, the Devils would not be the storied franchise they are today.
Reports from TMZ claim that Lemieux died by suicide. If you or someone you know has a mental illness, there are ways to get help. The 988 Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, and New Jersey residents are eligible to reach out to New Jersey Mental Health Cares for resources.
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