India, May 28 -- Claude Lemieux, one of the most feared playoff performers and controversial figures in NHL history, has died at the age of 60. The league's Alumni Association confirmed Lemieux's passing on Thursday. His death came only days after an emotional public appearance in Montreal, where he carried the ceremonial torch into the Bell Centre before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final between the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens.

Lemieux's final appearance in front of fans took place Monday night at the Bell Centre. The former Canadiens star participated in the pregame ceremony ahead of Montreal's playoff clash against Carolina, receiving a warm ovation from fans inside the arena.

Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Anders...