Martin St. Louis Deserves Credit for Canadiens’ Turnaround | HI/O Bonus
When Martin St. Louis was hired as head coach of the Montreal Canadiens in February 2022, it was seen as a bold and somewhat unconventional move. The former NHL superstar, who had no prior coaching experience in the league, was tasked with reviving a franchise that had just suffered through a disastrous season, finishing at the bottom of the standings after a promising run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021. Fast forward to the 2024-2025 season, and St. Louis’ leadership is one of the key reasons for the Canadiens’ noticeable turnaround.
While some questioned the hiring of St. Louis, given his lack of coaching pedigree, his impact on the team has been undeniable. The Canadiens have shown significant progress under his guidance, transitioning from a rebuilding team to one that now shows signs of competitiveness, with much of the credit going to St. Louis’ coaching philosophy and ability to get the most out of his players.
One of the standout features of St. Louis’ tenure has been his ability to foster a positive and confident culture within the locker room. The Canadiens’ roster, which includes a mix of veteran leaders and young, developing stars, has thrived under his mentorship. Players like Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Kaiden Guhle have taken significant strides in their development since St. Louis took over. St. Louis’ emphasis on skill development, offensive creativity, and playing an up-tempo game has resonated with the team’s younger players, giving them the freedom to express themselves on the ice while still maintaining a sense of responsibility and accountability.
St. Louis has also been instrumental in re-establishing the Canadiens’ identity as a team that can compete, even when the odds are stacked against them. His commitment to a fast-paced, high-pressure style of play has invigorated the team and its fanbase. Under his guidance, the Canadiens have not only been more competitive in games but have also become more consistent. In contrast to the previous seasons, when the team seemed to lack direction, St. Louis has brought a sense of purpose and structure to the lineup, and the results are evident.
The most notable example of St. Louis’ influence has been the development of Nick Suzuki, who has emerged as the team’s clear leader and one of the NHL’s top young centers. Under St. Louis, Suzuki has taken his game to another level, showing more creativity and confidence in all areas of his play. This kind of player development has been crucial for the Canadiens, especially during a rebuild, as it provides a foundation for future success. St. Louis’ approach of allowing his players to play to their strengths, while also emphasizing discipline and defensive awareness, has paid off in the form of improved individual performances across the board.
It’s also worth noting how St. Louis has handled the Canadiens’ goaltenders. He has done an excellent job managing the situation with goaltender Carey Price’s eventual retirement and the emergence of youngsters like Sam Montembeault and Cayden Primeau. While the team has faced ups and downs in net, St. Louis has created an environment where his goaltenders feel confident and supported, a vital component for any successful team.
As the Canadiens continue to grow under St. Louis’ leadership, it’s clear that his impact goes far beyond his legendary playing career. His approach to coaching, combined with his understanding of the game, has helped reinvigorate a franchise that had fallen into disarray. With a bright future ahead and a strong foundation in place, Martin St. Louis deserves significant credit for the Montreal Canadiens’ turnaround, and his role in the team’s ongoing success will be one to watch in the years to come.
