NHL Alum Chris Nilan Shares Photo With Claude Lemieux Taken Days Before Death
Chris Nilan, one of Claude Lemieux's former teammates on the Montreal Canadiens, has shared a photo with the NHL legend, taken just days before his unexpected death at age 60.
"You never know when you're going to see someone for the last time," wrote Nilan, 68, via X on Thursday, May 28, alongside a photo of him, Lemieux and hockey historian Liam Maguire. "Rest in Peace Mon Ami," he added in a tribute to his friend.
The photo was captured on Monday, May 25, before Lemieux carried the torch for his and Nilan's former team prior to Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Lemieux's death to Us Weekly on Thursday. Us can confirm that he died by suicide after one of his adult sons found him in a rear warehouse at the family's furniture business in Florida.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah, sons Brendan, Christopher and Michael, and daughter, Claudia.
Maguire posted another photo of the trio from Monday as a tribute of his own.
"Devastating news about Claude Lemieux," he wrote. "I was with him 20min before he carried the torch Monday night. I grabbed this pic with @KnucklesNilan30 as the two former teammates caught up. I just can't believe it……RIP…❤️."
Lemieux played 21 seasons in the NHL, winning four Stanley Cups along the way. In addition to the Canadiens, he suited up for the New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks. He retired from the NHL in 2003 with 80 career playoff goals, good for the ninth-most all-time.
"Today is a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community," Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said in a statement. "I wish to express my most sincere and deepest condolences to Claude's family and loved ones."
He continued, "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."
The league also released a statement, saying in part, "He was loved by his wife and four children, and on behalf of the Lemieux family, we kindly ask that everyone respect their privacy during this difficult time."
Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette added via X, "Claude Lemieux, he was my generation. A striking figure in our hockey, a player with heart in his belly. His death seems so sudden, just a few days after seeing him proudly carry the torch at the Bell Centre. My thoughts are with his loved ones."
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 6:03 PM.