Alumni Corner: Claude Lapointe

If you look at Claude Lapointe's year-to-year statistics, there's no doubt that the Lachine, QUE native had a respectable 14-year NHL career, with 305 career points (127G, 178A) in 879 games.
However, Lapointe's numbers don't paint the whole picture. The Bob Nystrom Award may not be an official NHL trophy, but the fact that Lapointe is a three-time winner signifies how beloved and respected he was by his teammates throughout his time with the organization.
The feeling was mutual.

"I just loved the Islanders," Lapointe said. "I was fortunate to play in this league [NHL] and to play for the Islanders. My heart will always be with the Islanders."
When Lapointe arrived on Long Island as a free agent in 1996, the team had a 29-41-12 record throughout his first season, which led to a last-place finish in the Atlantic Division. In total, Lapointe endured five losing seasons until he got his first taste of playoff action with the Islanders.

But there was something about the team Lapointe loved anyways. With the opportunity to leave in free agency in 2000, Lapointe decided to stay on the Island. He received multiple offers from competitive franchises and the forward doesn't regret a single thing about his decision. Comfort with the franchise and making the best decision for his family were the main factors in staying.
Lapointe's loyalty was rewarded and he finally got his first taste of playoff action during the 2001-02 season, even though the Isles lost in a heartbreaking seven-game series to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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While understandably disappointed by the early first-round exit, Lapointe cherished the long-lasting memories with his teammates and the chemistry the team demonstrated. That season especially showed how selfless of a player Lapointe truly was.
"I never looked at the way I played, I never looked back and said 'What have you done individually? What have you done?' Lapointe said. "For me, as long as the team was doing well, as long as I did well for the team, I was happy with that."
This sort of team-first mentality was the main factor in leading to the fan base selecting him for three straight years to receive the Bob Nystrom Award, given to a player who "best exemplifies leadership, hustle, and dedication."

Current Islander Matt Martin is the only other recipient to exceed Lapointe in the total number of Nystrom awards, having won five of his own. Similar to Martin, Lapointe had an aggressive, all-out playing style when on the ice.
"You talk about leadership and you talk about dedication," Lapointe said of the comparisons to Martin. "He puts everything on the line. After a game, I'm sure he's happy with himself about the effort he puts in."
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Lapointe is still involved with the game of hockey. After taking some time off after his career to be with his family, Lapointe has gotten involved with online training, coaching, and education for younger players.
Later this month, Lapointe will be going global with his own private-online program called Straight Talk Hockey, targeting novice through pee-wee-level students. He wants to pass along the skills and work ethic that allowed him to have a long, fruitful NHL career.

He is still connected to the game and in some ways the Islanders. Lapointe couldn't have been more in his element during the team's Alumni Weekend back in November, catching up with teammates, reminiscing about the good-ole days, and chatting with beloved Islanders fans.
At the conclusion of his media obligations at Alumni Weekend, fans immediately rush up to Lapointe to take a few pictures, in which the former Islander graciously accepted.
Even after all this time, it's easy to see why Lapointe is popular among Islanders fans. He's passionate, selfless, and Long Island (still) appreciates a guy who plays the game hard.