5 famous players you forgot were on the Dallas Stars
By Kyle McKenna
Dallas Stars: Claude Lemieux
“Pepe,” was his nickname, but Claude Lemieux was far from the same two-way forward he established himself as when he joined Dallas for the 2002-03 campaign.
It’s hard to believe that a majority of fans remember that Lemieux skated with the Stars for one season, but No. 22 also only dressed in 32 games that season. He also netted a mere two goals and chipped in four assists.
While the notorious postseason hero didn’t experience much action with the Stars from October to early April, the winger dressed in seven of the team’s 16 contests during the 2002-03 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Dallas playing in less than 20 contests that spring meant Lemieux failed to earn his fifth Stanley Cup championship before retiring for the first time.
On this day in 2003, the Stars acquired Claude Lemieux from the Coyotes in exchange for Scott Pellerin and a conditional draft pick #GoStars pic.twitter.com/A6kEjuNVEs
— Mike Commito (@mikecommito) January 16, 2018
Lemieux is most remembered for winning the Stanley Cup with three different organizations in the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils on two occasions, and the Colorado Avalanche. Hockey’s best instigator was skilled and savvy enough to produce on the scoresheet too, especially in the postseason.
Lemieux took home the 1994-95 Conn Smythe Trophy after helping New Jersey earn its first-ever Stanley Cup title and in dominating fashion. The Devils’ dynamic grinder netted 13 goals and chipped in three assists during the Cup run in 20 games, and earned four game-winning tallies.
The two-time Devil didn’t have to wait long for his third Stanley Cup ring, considering he was a member of the inaugural Avalanche team that hoisted Lord Stanley in 1995-96.
Lemieux later returned to the Devils via trade during the 1999-00 season, and again was a key member of Jersey’s team that won its second Stanley Cup. The 1983 second-round draft pick was also remembered most for his physical play and questionable hits against opponents during the playoffs – just ask Detroit Red Wings fans.
Either way, fans loved Lemieux if he played for their team, respectively. He’s just a forgotten Star that once laced up the skates in Dallas.