Claude Lemieux\u2019s impact is still being felt on hockey.<\/p>\n
The former NHL forward, dead at the age of 60 by apparent suicide<\/a> Thursday, remained a big figure in the sport long after his last game in 2009 as a player agent.<\/p>\n Lemieux, a longtime agitator and big-game performer, represented several of today\u2019s biggest stars, including the likes of Devils forward Timo Meier and Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen.<\/p>\n Retired Colorado Avalanche player Claude Lemieux waves to fans as he is honored for his years on the ice before the Avalanche host the New Jersey Devils. AP Photo\/David Zalubowski<\/p>\n \u201cRest in peace Pepi,\u201d Meier wrote on his Instagram story, referencing the nickname Lemieux received as a rookie with the Montreal Canadiens in 1983, short for \u201cPepe Le Pew,\u201d the amorous cartoon skunk.<\/p>\n \u201cGone too soon.\u201d<\/p>\n The news of Lemieux\u2019s death \u2014 he was reportedly found in a warehouse of his family\u2019s furniture store<\/a> in Florida by one of his sons \u2014 was all the more surprising due to the fact that just three days prior, he was honored by the Canadiens as a torchbearer ahead of their Game 3 against the Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference finals.<\/p>\n Timo Meier #28 of the New Jersey Devils stretches in warm ups before a game. NHLI via Getty Images<\/p>\n With Andersen set to tend goal for the Hurricanes that night, Lemieux reached out to the goalie to let him know he was tapped to help fire up the opposing team\u2019s home crowd at the Bell Center.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s like family,\u201d Andersen told the North State Journal<\/a>, noting it was a big deal for the entire Lemieux family for its patriarch to be honored.<\/p>\n Andersen\u2019s pursuit of the Stanley Cup continues with a heavy heart, as does Meier\u2019s run at the IIHF World Championships with Switzerland.<\/p>\n Timo Meier posted about his agent Claude Lemieux\u2019s death on Thursday night.<\/p>\n Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup winner, also counted Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider and Bruins blueliner Hampus Lindholm among his clientele as the President Hockey North America for 4Sports Hockey, with 17 active contracts totaling nearly $355 million in value, per PuckPedia<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cClaude was so much more to us than just a member of the 4sports family,\u201d the agency wrote in an Instagram post<\/a>. \u201cHe was a truly special person, a trusted friend, an inspiring leader, an exceptional and very successful agent, and someone who touched all of our lives with his kindness, loyalty, strength, and generosity. His presence shaped not only our company, but also the people around him in so many meaningful ways.<\/p>\n \u201cWe all deeply respected, appreciated, and loved him. The memories, the laughter, the friendship, and the inspiration he gave us will remain with us forever.\u201d<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t