Claude Lemieux Training With Sundogs, Eyeing Return to NHL

[VodkaFish]

PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. – The 2008 Central Hockey League Ray Miron President’s Cup Champion Arizona Sundogs have announced that four-time Stanley Cup Champion and former Conn Smythe Trophy winner Claude Lemieux has joined the Club for formal on-ice workouts. In September, Lemieux expressed interest in making a return to the National Hockey League (NHL).

Lemieux, 43, won four Stanley Cup Championships with three different teams (Montreal – 1986, New Jersey – 1995, Colorado – 1996, New Jersey – 2000) during his 20 seasons in the NHL. A veteran of nearly 1,200 NHL games, Lemieux won the Conn Smythe trophy while with New Jersey in 1995, selected as the league’s playoff MVP.

In 1197 regular season NHL contests, the Buckingham, Quebec, native registered 379 goals, 406 assists and 1756 penalty minutes (PIM).

Known for strong play in the postseason, Lemieux added 80 goals, 78 assists and 529 PIM in 233 playoff appearances and ranks among the league’s all-time best in several playoff categories. His 233 playoff appearances rank tied for fourth all-time and his 80 career playoff goals rank ninth all-time. Lemieux also ranks third all-time in career playoff game-winning goals (19) and career PIM (529).

Lemieux has been skating with the Sundogs for the past week and will continue to do so in an effort to pursue a comeback to the NHL. Five years removed from the game, Lemieux retired from NHL play in 2002-03 after splitting his final season with the Phoenix Coyotes and Dallas Stars.

[monkey_360]

Hes been out for 5 years and hes 43, not sure if its the best decision, maybe he just needs the money lol

[Webby1517]

Hated the man for the hit on Draper...Someone please tell this old fuk to hang'em up for good.

[HockeyFan4Life]

I guess Pros v. Joe's isn't playing the much anymore.

[Manimal]

Originally Posted by monkey_360

Hes been out for 5 years and hes 43, not sure if its the best decision, maybe he just needs the money lol

I don't think it's for the money. He just doesn't know how to do anything else, the stupid jock

[SnowballIsChamp]

Can't blame him. Hockey is a fun sport.

[FlagsFan]

I hope he plays a couple of conditioning games with Arizona and someone pops him good.

[scrapnuts]

I hope he makes it back to the NHL. And I hope he dies on the ice.

[mike56]

i hope he plays for the redwngs or rangers.

[Godly_goon]

Originally Posted by scrapnuts

I hope he makes it back to the NHL. And I hope he dies on the ice.

wow way to soon after chariponov to say that asshole

and who is claude kidding he is to old to play in the nhl.. look at chelios an amazing hockey player but now to old and is a third line player.. in my eyes claude will just ruin his career.. go out on a good note dont come back and be a liability for your team

[baldhedjer]

I don't think he can make it back to the NHL, and I doubt anyone wants him. He'd be better off trying to land a coaching gig somewhere

[5min4fighting]

I cant see him playing in the NHL again. I love that dirty guy I truly do!

[mckendo83]

yeah i dont see him making it back - hes a puke sh*t anyway.

[blackngold]

Is he gonna play any games with the Sundogs?

[theknuckler]

He should.. Let him dangle in the minors and see if he can do something. Let him start in the CHL and see if he can move up