Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion known for his ferocious and physical style of play, has died at the age of 60.
The NHL Alumni Association announced his death on social media. A cause of death was not immediately available. Lemieux had just served as the Montreal Canadiens' torchbearer prior to Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final on Monday night.
"Today is a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community," said Canadiens owner Geoff Molson. "A fierce competitor who rose to the occasion in big moments, Claude was a relentless, courageous, and tenacious player."
Lemieux won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1995, leading the New Jersey Devils to their first Stanley Cup. The following year, he helped the Colorado Avalanche win the championship in their inaugural season after moving from Quebec. He was suspended for two games for a hit on Detroit's Kris Draper during that run.
Joe Sakic, president of hockey operations for the Avalanche and a former teammate, called Lemieux a "fierce competitor and a champion in every way." The Devils added that "Claude's impact in bringing the first-ever Stanley Cup to New Jersey will forever be remembered."
Lemieux also won the Cup with Montreal in 1986 and returned to the Devils for their title in 2000. He played 1,449 regular-season and playoff games over 26 seasons with six teams. After retiring in 2009, he became a prominent NHL agent, representing players like Frederik Andersen, Timo Meier, Moritz Seider, and Hampus Lindholm.
Commissioner Gary Bettman called Lemieux "one of the greatest big-game players in hockey history." In December, at a celebration of Colorado's 1996 championship, Lemieux reflected on winning: "When it's happening, you don't quite appreciate it as much as you should."
Former rival Darren McCarty of the Red Wings posted: "This is extremely sad. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. Godspeed my friend."