The biggest rival in Detroit Red Wings history passed away.
The NHL announced the passing of former Colorado Avalanche forward Claude Lemieux this morning. Lemieux, 60, played a pivotal role in Detroit's history. He's infamously known as the spark that started the fire of the rivalry after breaking Kris Draper's jaw. On March 26, 1997, forward Darren McCarty dropped the gloves, starting what would wind up becoming the biggest brawl in NHL history -- the Fight Night at the Joe.
Lemieux's death shocked the hockey world this morning, with everyone from the NHL's official account to Darren McCarty himself sharing their thoughts.
May 28, 2026The Yzerman-era Red Wings wouldn't be who they became without Lemieux. He's the biggest adversary the Red Wings ever faced and the ultimate obstacle the team needed to overcome to win their Stanley Cup(s).
Lemieux leaves legacy in Detroit
From casual conversations to full-blown documentaries, Lemieux's name is known wide throughout Detroit. Some hated him. Others loved to hate him. Every Red Wings fan knows his name. Today, the NHL lost one of its biggest pests -- a guy so frustrating he makes Brad Marchand look pleasant by comparison.
The NHL Alumni Association is devastated to share that Claude Lemieux has passed away at the age of 60.
Born in Buckingham, Quebec, Claude was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft and would make his NHL debut just a few months later… pic.twitter.com/iohlATU6qz
A few years back, McCarty and Lemieux gathered at a screening of the "Unrivaled" documentary to bury the hatchet once and for all. McCarty has stated several times in the past that he and Lemieux are friends now friends following their once-heated rivalry.
Believe it or not, Lemieux actually played a part with the Red Wings all the way until his death. Lemieux was Moritz Seider's agent, helping the star defenseman to secure a hefty payday when his first contract was up. It's unclear who Seider will choose as an agent to represent him now. Still, the fact that his legacy left such an impact should show just how integral he's been to Detroit since that first hit.
Red Wings may never have a rival like Lemieux again
Few dversaries against the Red Wings, much less Detroit sports in general, frustrated quite like Lemieux did. Still, much like the Detroit Pistons were for Michael Jordan, Lemieux's antics were the spark that started the fire that resulted in four Stanley Cups from 1997 to 2008. While the Red Wings of today still have a lot of work to do, they can look to the past as an example of where to go from here.
Perhaps no other rival in Detroit sports history can say they left an impact on an organization quite like Lemieux.
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