Four-time Stanley Cup winner: NHL legend dead

The ice hockey world is mourning the loss of legend Claude Lemieux. The four-time Stanley Cup champion has died at the age of 60.

29 May 2026

From: dpa

According to authorities, the former professional hockey player committed suicide in Florida. The Canadian, who also held American citizenship, was one of the NHL's top stars and won the Stanley Cup with three different teams: in 1986 with the Montreal Canadiens, in 1995 with the New Jersey Devils, in 1996 with the Colorado Avalanche, and again in 2000 with the Devils.

"The NHL mourns the loss of Claude Lemieux (...) one of the greatest professionals in big games in the history of hockey," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. US President Donald Trump called Lemieux "a true legend of the game and one of the toughest competitors hockey has ever seen."

Lemieux won the first Stanley Cup in 1986 as an NHL rookie and played a major role in the Canadiens' success with ten goals in the playoffs. Fans there still love him. When he stepped onto the ice last Monday before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Canadiens and the Carolina Hurricanes, the crowd erupted in cheers, according to North American media reports. "Today is a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community," said team owner Geoff Molson regarding Lemieux's death.

Keywords hockey NHL