BROSSARD (Quebec) — Forget the interim tag. Martin St. Louisas the coach for the team. Montreal Canadiens.
St. Louis, who was speaking just hours before the first home game at the Bell Centre on Thursday, said that becoming a head coach of the NHL is something he has always wanted to do.
The 5-foot-8 St. Louis, who was used to being the underdog in his Hall of Fame playing career isn’t surprised that his first chance comes at the end of a season with a team that’s likely to finish near the bottom of NHL.
St. Louis, 46 years old, who hails from Laval, Montreal, stated that “I knew it was possible.” “I was confident that this was a great opportunity. It was also the right time. I didn’t care about the terms of the contract. It was all about the opportunity. That was all I wanted.
“I don’t need to make promises. Give me a chance, and I’ll show you what my capabilities are.”
There are many things to do.
After a remarkable run to the Stanley Cup Final last year, the Canadiens had an 8-30-7 record with a league-worst 23 goals heading into Thursday’s game against Washington. They have not posted back-to-back wins so far this season.
St. Louis has a sparse coaching record. His only NHL experience was as a special team consultant with the Columbus Blue JacketsIn 2018-19.
St. Louis explained that he was not coming in to be a substitute teacher. “I’m here to present my work, and we’ll watch what happens this summer. But my intention is to remain here for a long period of time. But it’s something I have to prove.”
Kent Hughes, New Canadiens general manger, knew St. Louis when he was a star for the University of Vermont during the 1990s. Hughes says St. Louis represents the culture he and Jeff Gorton are trying to establish in Montreal.
Hughes explained that Hughes worked in a law office that represented hockey players. Hughes told Hughes, “I went to the lawyer/agent to say we want to recruit him as a freshman at UVM.” He said that he wouldn’t play in the NHL, and I told Hughes: “I know that this kid will play for the NHL.
“Majority of people bet against” him. I for one have decided to place a bet on him. He’ll be a resounding success, I’m certain.
Dominique Ducharme was dismissed on Wednesday and St. Louis is now in charge.
Gorton stated that Ducharme’s job would be safe until the end 2021-22 season at his introductory press conference. However, the Canadiens had lost seven consecutive games heading into the matchup at Capitals.
Gorton stated that Ken and I had discussed the challenges we faced. “We didn’t have five games left to play, but we had 37 to go,” Gorton explained. There’s a lot more teaching that needs to be done. There is much to do in terms of learning. As a group, we felt it was time to change the direction of the company and make it better.