One of the most relentless big-game performers in NHL history, Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and 1995 Conn Smythe Trophy winner, died on May 28, 2026, at the age of 60. Known as a fierce agitator who saved his best performances for the postseason, Lemieux passed away in Lake Park, Florida, just days after a final, emotional appearance before his fans in Montreal. Three days before his passing, Lemieux stood in the center of the Bell Centre, the ceremonial torch in his hand casting a glow across the ice where his legend began. The roar from the Montreal crowd was a sound of pure reconciliation, a final tribute to the man who had been both their greatest hero and a feared antagonist. This moment of quiet dignity, standing before the fans who saw him rise as a rookie in 1986, served as the gravitational center of a life defined by the heat of competition. It was here that the Big-Game paradox was most visible: the agitator who had been widely regarded as one of the most hated figures on the ice was now standing as one of the most respected winners in the history of the sport. This transition from a polarizing competitor to a revered veteran was a journey that spanned decades and multiple franchises. Geoff Molson, the owner of the Canadiens, described him as a relentless, courageous, and tenacious player who led his teams to the highest honors. (Montreal Canadiens) This fierce on-ice persona, which Molson noted embodied the essence of being a Montreal Canadiens player, often masked the person off the ice. Even his former rival Darren McCarty, a man who shared some of the most intense moments in hockey history with Lemieux, remarked that the person away from the rink was not the person on it. As reported by CBS News, McCarty offered his thoughts and prayers to a man whose competitive spirit was matched only by the respect he earned in the locker room. The peak of his individual powers arrived during the 1995 playoffs, where he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after scoring 13 goals for the New Jersey Devils. Lemieux himself reflected on this duality, stating: "The Stanley Cup is what we play for. To be the most hated man in hockey and have your name on the Conn Smythe Trophy, it's special." (NHL.com) This victory was part of a remarkable stretch where he became one of the few players to win consecutive championships with different teams, following his 1995 title with a third Stanley Cup as a member of the Colorado Avalanche in 1996. His legacy was etched into the record books, where he finished his career ranked ninth in NHL history for career playoff goals with 80. This placement among the league's greatest postseason performers, as highlighted by The Athletic, underscored a career that began when he was drafted 26th overall by Montreal in 1983. Whether he was winning his first Cup as a rookie or capturing his fourth title during a second stint with the New Jersey Devils, Lemieux was a player who thrived when the lights were brightest. His hunger for the game was so profound that he made a notable NHL comeback at age 43 with the San Jose Sharks, returning to the ice after a five-year retirement to prove once more that his spirit was undiminished. In his later years, Lemieux transitioned into a successful career as a professional player agent, representing several NHL stars and sharing his deep knowledge of the game's business side. While he became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 2009, his heart remained tied to the sport that defined him. He watched with pride as his son, Brendan Lemieux, followed in his footsteps as an NHL forward, ensuring the Lemieux name continued to be a presence in professional hockey. His former teammate Chris Nilan, reflecting on their bond, simply called him "Mon Ami," a testament to the friendships forged in the fires of competition. Claude Lemieux will be remembered as the ultimate postseason warrior, a man who understood that the true measure of a player is found in the high-pressure moments of the spring. He was a disruptor who used every tool at his disposal to tilt the ice in his team's favor, yet he did so with a level of skill and clutch timing that few could ever replicate. His journey from a rookie champion to a veteran leader and finally to a ceremonial torchbearer served as a reminder that greatness in sport is often found in the tension between being a fierce rival and a respected champion. He left behind a legacy of four championships and a reputation as one of the most formidable big-game players to ever lace up a pair of skates. He is survived by his son, Brendan Lemieux.