Claude Lemieux

Lore & Background

Lemieux was known as one of the greatest playoff performers, scoring 80 playoff goals (ninth most in NHL history). He was also known throughout his career as an aggressor, agitator, and enforcer. He was one of 11 players to win a Stanley Cup with at least three different teams. Lemieux won his first Cup with Montreal in 1986, his second with New Jersey in 1995, his third with Colorado in 1996, and his fourth with New Jersey in 2000. He was traded multiple times, including a return to New Jersey in 1999. After leaving the NHL in 2003, he played briefly in Switzerland, then became president of the ECHL's Phoenix Roadrunners in 2005. He made a comeback with San Jose in 2008–09, then retired and became a sports agent.

Reader's Guide

Claude Lemieux's significance lies in his exceptional playoff performance and his role in multiple Stanley Cup victories. He led all skaters with 13 goals in the 1995 playoffs, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy. His 80 career playoff goals rank ninth all-time. He was also notorious as one of the league's most hated and dirtiest players; a 2018 Bleacher Report ranked him the third most hated player of all time. A defining incident occurred in 1996 when, playing for Colorado, he hit Detroit's Kris Draper from behind, breaking Draper's orbital, cheek, and jaw bones, sparking a vicious rivalry between the Avalanche and Red Wings. Lemieux's career spanned six NHL teams and included 15 consecutive postseasons. After retiring, he became a sports agent and served until his death.

Did You Know?

• Lemieux won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1995 as playoff MVP.
• He bit Calgary's Jim Peplinski on the finger during the 1986 Stanley Cup Final.