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The 6-foot-1, 215-pound right wing slipped to 18 goals and 44 points in 1993-94, then had just six goals and 19 points in 45 games in 1994-95. But his magic in the postseason was rekindled; he led all skaters with 13 goals to be voted winner of the\u00a0Conn Smythe Trophy, the Devils sweeping the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Final to win their first title.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s just unbelievable,\u201d Lemieux said, having gotten under the skin of virtually every NHL opponent by then. \u201cI look at some of the names on this trophy and on the Stanley Cup, it\u2019s incredible. To be a part of the team that won the first Stanley Cup for the New Jersey Devils, who would have thought it?<\/p>\n
\u201cI played well,\u201d he added of his own playoff performance. \u201cIt’s very special. The Stanley Cup is what we play for. To be the most hated man in hockey and have your name on the\u00a0Conn Smythe Trophy, it\u2019s special.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Devils said in a statement: “The New Jersey Devils organization is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former Devil Claude Lemieux. Widely respected throughout the NHL, both as a trusted agent and a valued colleague, Claude leaves behind a lasting legacy within our game that he gave so much to. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.”<\/p>\n
But\u00a0Lemieux was on the move again, dealt to Colorado on Sept. 3, 1995, as part of a three-team trade. He scored 39 goals for the Avalanche in 1995-96, their first season in Denver after having relocated from Quebec, then became the 10th player to win the Cup in consecutive years with different teams when he helped Colorado to its first title. He had 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 19 playoff games.<\/p>\n