Claude Lemieux and Peter Forsberg were both key pieces of the 1996 Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche. When Forsberg learned about his former teammate’s tragic death, he shared some truly heartbreaking words.
“I can’t believe it,” Forsberg said.
Peter Forsberg and Claude Lemieux became teammates in 1995 when Lemieux was acquired by the Avalanche from the New Jersey Devils. The previous season, Lemieux had helped the Devils win their first-ever Stanley Cup with 13 goals in 20 playoff games, earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Claude Lemieux and Peter Forsberg
The trade brought immediate success. Playing on a line with Peter Forsberg and Valeri Kamensky, Claude Lemieux recorded 39 goals and 32 assists for 71 points in the regular season. Forsberg racked up 116 points, and together they helped the Nordiques/Avalanche franchise win its first-ever Stanley Cup after sweeping the Florida Panthers in the Final.
Lemieux and Forsberg were teammates for several seasons and remained friends after their playing careers ended.
Forsberg’s heartbreaking words
When Peter Forsberg learned about the tragic death of Claude Lemieux on Thursday, he was working a broadcast for Swedish TV during Team Sweden’s quarterfinal against Switzerland at the World Championship. Forsberg was devastated by the news about his former teammate.
“I just got the news. It’s so sad. I played with him, and he brought his winning culture to the team. It’s tough. I’ve stayed in touch with him. He did everything on the ice. He won four Stanley Cups, and he was so nice off the ice. I can’t believe it happened, I had no idea. I will miss him, and I hope his family is okay,” Forsberg said on air, according to Swedish outlet Expressen.
Claude Lemieux was 60 years old. Rest in peace.
