NEW YORK– National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman issued a formal statement today regarding the death of Claude Lemieux:
“The National Hockey League is mourning the loss of Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the most impactful postseason performers in the history of the sport.
“Lemieux established his legendary playoff reputation early, winning his first Stanley Cup as a rookie in 1986 after netting 10 goals during the Montreal Canadiens‘ championship run. In 1995, he earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs’ Most Valuable Player, scoring 13 goals in 20 games for the New Jersey Devils. He also played a vital role in securing Stanley Cup titles for the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 and returning to the New Jersey Devils for a championship in 2000.
“Throughout his career, his teams qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for 15 consecutive seasons. His 234 postseason appearances rank sixth all-time in NHL history, while his 80 career playoff goals place him ninth on the all-time list. In his later years, he transitioned into a successful career as a player agent, representing many of the league’s premier stars.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Claude’s wife, Deborah, and his four children: Brendan, Claudia, Michael, and Christopher.”