Sharks sign Claude Lemieux to tryout

Nov 25, 2008 - 8:39 PM WORCESTER, Massachusetts (Ticker) -- Claude Lemieux, one of the great agitators in NHL history, signed a professional tryout contract with the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday.

The 43-year-old Lemieux, who has not played in an NHL game since 2002-03 with the Phoenix Coyotes and Dallas Stars, will report to Worcester of the American Hockey League.

Lemieux still needs to pass through the 72-hour AHL waiver process.

"Claude called and inquired about resuming his hockey career and we have given him an opportunity to pursue it with Worcester," San Jose general manager Wayne Thomas said. "He is here to help this team win games."

Lemieux has won the Stanley Cup with three different teams. He captured his first with Montreal in 1986, added two with New Jersey (1995, 2000) and another with Colorado in 1996.

Currently, Lemieux has been playing in Europe, but also skated in a pair of games with the China Sharks, San Jose's affiliate in Shanghai.

Lemieux won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1995 as most valuable player of the postseason and ranks ninth all-time with 80 playoff goals.