Story perspectives

Former Canadiens Star Claude Lemieux Dies by Suicide

5/29/2026

Summary

Claude Lemieux Dies

Claude Lemieux, NHL forward and 1995 Conn Smythe Trophy winner, died by suicide on May 28, 2026.
He finished with 80 playoff goals (ninth all-time) and 158 points.
He carried the torch at the Bell Centre on May 25, 2026 before Game 3 of Eastern Conference Final.
Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said the day was “dark” for the team.
Commissioner Gary Bettman called Lemieux “one of the greatest big-game players.”

Summary

Claude Lemieux Sparks

Claude Lemieux (player)’s hit on Kris Draper (player) in Game 6 of the 1996 Western Conference Final ignited the Avalanche-Red Wings rivalry.
On March 26, 1997, Darren McCarty (player) pursued Claude Lemieux, sparking a brawl that drew goaltenders Patrick Roy (goaltender) and Mike Vernon (goaltender) to center ice.
Claude Lemieux (player)’s 39-goal season helped the Avalanche win first championship after moving from Quebec while he negotiated 16 active contracts as a player agent before his death.

History

Historical Context

The rivalry began when Claude Lemieux’s hit on Kris Draper in Game 6 of the 1996 Western Conference Finals left Draper with a broken jaw and sparked animosity. That tension exploded on March 26 1997, when Darren McCarty attacked Lemieux in a brawl that produced 18 fighting majors and over 144 penalty minutes. Lemieux’s suicide on May 28 2026 has revived calls for stronger mental-health support in the NHL.

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Claude Lemieux Dies

Claude Lemieux, NHL forward and 1995 Conn Smythe Trophy winner, died by suicide on May 28, 2026.
He finished with 80 playoff goals (ninth all-time) and 158 points.
He carried the torch at the Bell Centre on May 25, 2026 before Game 3 of Eastern Conference Final.
Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said the day was “dark” for the team.
Commissioner Gary Bettman called Lemieux “one of the greatest big-game players.”

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