Tributes Pour In After Longtime NHL Star Dies at 60
Tributes are pouring in online after a longtime NHL star died at 60 years old on Thursday, May 28.
Longtime NHL star Claude Lemieux, who starred for six different teams across 21 NHL seasons, has passed away. The league announced his death on social media on Thursday afternoon.
"The NHL Alumni Association is devastated to share that Claude Lemieux has passed away at the age of 60. Born in Buckingham, Quebec, Claude was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft and would make his NHL debut just a few months later on October 13, 1983 and scored his first career NHL goal on December 4, 1983. Claude split time between the Canadiens organization and the QMJHL from 1983 to 1985, capturing the President's Cup with the Verdun Junior Canadiens in 1985 as QMJHL playoff champions, while earning the Guy Lafleur Trophy as Playoff MVP," the league announced.
"Claude played 297 regular-season games in an Avalanche uniform before rejoining the New Jersey Devils in November of 1999, and for a fourth and final time, would be crowned a Stanley Cup champion on June 10, 2000. Claude later played for the Phoenix Coyotes and Dallas Stars before making a comeback with the San Jose Sharks during the 2008-09 season. Internationally, Claude represented Canada on several occasions, including capturing a gold medal at the 1985 World Junior Hockey Championships and winning the 1987 Canada Cup. He was loved by his wife and four children, and on behalf of the Lemieux family, we kindly ask that everyone respect their privacy during this difficult time."
Tributes for Lemieux are pouring in online
NHL fans are deeply saddened.
"Horrific news. Claude Lemieux just carried out the torch ahead of Game 3 for #GoHabsGo at the Bell Centre. Lemieux was a successful player agent in his post playing career," one fan wrote.
"Just three days ago, Claude Lemieux was carrying the torch at the Bell Centre. RIP," one fan added.
"Terrible news. Condolences to Claude's family, friends, and former teammates," one shared.
"This is absolutely devastating. Claude was just at the Bell Centre the other night holding and passing along the torch at the Habs game. Just three nights ago. Devastated. May his memory be a blessing," one fan added.
"Devastating, shocking and awful news. One of the fiercest competitors to ever play the game. And one of the smartest. My deep felt condolences to the Lemieux family," one fan added.
May he rest in peace.
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 10:46 AM.