This home white air-knit gamer by CCM was worn by Claude Lemieux during the 2001-02 NHL season. Lemieux recently concluded a 21-year NHL career that is likely to be recognized with induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame at some future date. Claude was the consummate winner, who had the unique ability to raise his level of play when the playoffs rolled around.
Claude led his teams to 4 Stanley Cup titles and ranks among the all-time elite in playoff scoring. Claude partook in 233 playoff games and scored 158 points while racking up 529 PIMS. He was awarded with the 1995 Conn Smythe Trophy after leading the New Jersey Devils to their first ever Stanley Cup championship. As a rookie in 1986, Claude was a late season call-up who played the full slate of playoff contests as the Canadiens captured the Stanley Cup. This 40-goal man has regular season career totals that include 379 goals, 786 points and 1777 PIMS. Claude also holds the distinction of being one of the leagues most despised players by the opposition. He was a solid 2-way player that was considered feisty or dirty depending on who you asked. After winning the Stanley Cup with the Devils in 1995, Claude joined the Avalanche during their inaugural season. It proved to be a special one for Lemieux. As the reigning playoff MVP he had a lot to live up to with his new teammates in Colorado. Claude didn’t disappoint. In 79 regular season contests he notched 39 goals, 71 points and 119 PIMS while playing ferocious defense against the opposing team’s elite. Come playoff time Lemieux lived up to expectations yet again, as he helped a 3rd different franchise to Stanley Cup glory.
Early in the 1999-00 season, Lou Lamoriello, the GM of the New Jersey Devils decided his team needed a spark and engineered a trade with Colorado to re-acquire his former playoff MVP. Lemieux was just what the doctor ordered as he helped the Devils to their 2nd ever Stanley Cup title later that spring.
Offered here is Lemieux’s 1st set sweater from his second season with the Phoenix Coyotes. The game wear on this jersey consists of numerous stick and slash marks, board burns, board paint transfer, a heavily salted fight strap and fine inner pilling. In addition, what must have been a vicious slash to the area alongside the left side of the crest has caused a 2-inch long area of trauma and an overall weakening of the air-knit material surrounding it. Sewn to the inside hem is the official Phoenix Coyotes game worn jersey tagging. A wonderful example that is loaded with character. This jersey will be accompanied by a Coyotes team letter.
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