Claude Lemieux’s death came just days after he was back in the NHL spotlight.
The four-time Stanley Cup winner died at 60 years old, the league’s Alumni Association announced Thursday, after Lemieux was just at his former home arena — the Bell Centre in Montreal — on Monday night.
Lemieux carried out the ceremonial torch for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Canadiens and the Hurricanes.
He carried the torch through a tunnel of excited fans, who were cheering and filming him on his walk. Upon reaching the inside of the arena, he raised the torch and pumped his fist as fans roared for their former winger of seven years.
The death was ruled a suicide, as reported by TMZ after Lemieux was found at a family business Thursday morning in Florida.
Lemieux, a Quebec native, was drafted by the Canadiens in 1983 and spent the first seven seasons of his career in Montreal.
He won his first Cup with the Canadiens in 1986 before adding three more with the Devils (twice) and Avalanche.
“Today is a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community. I wish to express my most sincere and deepest condolences to Claude’s family and loved ones,” Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said in a statement. “A fierce competitor who rose to the occasion in big moments, Claude was a relentless, courageous, and tenacious player who led the team to the highest honors. He embodied the very essence of being a Montreal Canadiens player. Today we mourn the untimely passing of one of our champions. Our thoughts are with his family on this difficult day.”
Lemieux also spent time with the Coyotes, Stars and Sharks.
He retired in 2009 for a second time following a comeback season with San Jose at 43 years old.
Montreal went on to lose 3-2 during an overtime period. They also lost Wednesday’s Game 4, 4-0.
With their backs against the wall, the Canadiens head to Carolina for Game 5 and if they force a Game 6, they will be back at Bell Centre for what would undoubtedly be an emotional scene.
The last time the Canadiens were in the Stanley Cup Final was in 2021, when they lost to the Lightning in five games. They last won the Cup in ’93.