The Montreal Canadiens were dealt a devastating loss that has shaken the hockey world far beyond the rink. Just days after appearing at Bell Centre during the Stanley Cup playoffs, franchise legend Claude Lemieux passed away at the age of 60, leaving the fanbase in a state of shock.
President Donald Trump was among the many public figures who sent condolences after news of the tragedy came to light, as messages continued to pour in from former teammates, players, and members of the hockey community.
Donald Trump Joins NHL Figures in Honoring Claude Lemieux’s Legacy
Trump publicly shared his condolences following the death of former Canadiens star Lemieux, calling him “a true legend of the game” in a lengthy post on Truth Social. Trump highlighted Lemieux’s reputation as one of hockey’s fiercest competitors while also acknowledging his personal relationship with the Lemieux family.
“Claude Lemieux, a true legend of the game and one of the fiercest competitors Hockey has ever seen, has passed away. Claude was a friend to the family and a tremendous ‘TRUMP’ supporter,” Trump wrote.
He also referenced Lemieux’s championship success, adding that the former winger “won 4 Stanley Cups with three different teams: Montreal, New Jersey, and Colorado.”
Trump directed part of his message toward Claude’s son, former NHL forward Brendan Lemieux, writing, “Brendan, my thoughts are with you, Deborah, and the whole Lemieux family. You and your dad were warriors on the ice. Claude will be missed by all who love winning and toughness.”
The news stunned the hockey world because Lemieux had recently appeared at Bell Centre ahead of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final. The Canadiens legend carried the ceremonial pregame torch and appeared in good spirits during the playoff atmosphere in Montreal.
Authorities in Florida confirmed that Lemieux died by suicide on May 28. He was found dead early Thursday morning in Lake Park, Florida, after deputies responded shortly after 3 a.m.
Lemieux’s career remains one of the most accomplished playoff resumes in NHL history. Across 21 seasons, he played 1,215 regular-season games and recorded 379 goals, 407 assists, and 786 points while earning a reputation as a relentless postseason performer. His 80 playoff goals and four Stanley Cups secured his standing among the league’s greatest clutch players.
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Brendan Lemieux later addressed the loss on Instagram while sharing a family photo featuring Claude and Brendan’s son, Luc. “I love you, dad! My son’s favorite person is going to watch from above for a while. We will see you,” Brendan wrote.
Former Canadiens forward Brandon Prust also honored Lemieux, who served as his agent during part of his NHL career. Prust reflected on the guidance he received during difficult stretches of his playing days and wrote, “Claude was my agent from 2012 until I retired. He helped guide me through all the ups and downs of my career. He was a great man. RIP BEFEAT.”
