Almost a year ago to the day, on February 9, 2022, Martin St-Louis became the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens. Initially hired on an interim basis after Dominique Ducharme was fired, the former National Hockey League (NHL) player took control of a fledgling formation in Reconstruction. Here are some of St-Louis’ achievements since hiring:
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The Cole Caufield Explosion
The 47-year-old changed everything for the little Habs outsider. After the excitement at the end of the 2020-2021 season and fabulous run in the playoffs, Caufield fell back to earth at the start of the following season. In 30 games under Ducharme, the American hopeful had just one goal and seven assists.
With St-Louis getting it like no other, it was a blast for Caufield. Most notably along with Nick Suzuki, the right winger has scored 22 goals and 35 points in the last 37 games of the season. The Wisconsin native remained just as productive that season until an injury put an end to that.
Trust young people
The former Tampa Bay Lightning didn’t have much of a choice between departures and injuries, but his faith in young players has sometimes paid off, if only for their development. One of the standouts this season is tough defender Arber Xhekaj. The man of many nicknames has become a crowd pleaser, learning alongside veterans like David Savard and Joel Edmundson.
The youngsters Kaiden Guhle, Jordan Harris and Justin Barron also inherited special defensive efforts and showed good things. Having recently been in the NHL and showing great sensitivity towards his squad, St-Louis makes the perfect rehab pilot. The workforce therefore granted him a three-year contract extension in June.
The breakthrough of “RHP”
Speaking of young players, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard is one of those who take chances to assert themselves. The 24-year-old forward has scored five goals in seven games so far and fans have started dreaming of a Quebecois to do them proud in blue-white-red. Will the Sagenaeans stay with the big club in the long term? Time will tell, but with the injuries and possible exits at the close, “RHP” appears to have secured a position in Montreal by the end of the campaign. Seven Quebecers wore the CH uniform in 2022-2023, and eight last season. In 2020-2021 there were only three.
Samuel Montembeault is also one of those who made progress under St-Louis. The keeper has risen like a brick at times and his individual stats are better than Jake Allen’s.
The rebirth of an unloved
Before Kirby Dach joined the Canadiens during the last draft, the Chicago Blackhawks were going nowhere. Whether thanks to the lessons of Martin St-Louis or his talent finally coming to light, the 22-year-old forward is impressing. The Albertan has worked hard since Caufield’s injury and is already in his fourth season a career high on goals (11), assists (22) and points (33). Dach is no longer invisible on the ice and his impact on the team can be felt. It’s a good hit for general manager Kent Hughes at the moment, but no doubt for the coach as well.
A new captain
During the St. Louis era, the Sainte-Flanelle finally found a captain following the departure of Shea Weber. Despite his youth, the choice of Nick Suzuki was unanimous as the Ontarian oozes maturity. The 23-year-old athlete is learning to be a leader this year, but he’s already setting an example on the ice by leading the Canadians’ charge.
At the All-Star Game, Suzuki had nothing but good words for his driver. “He’s one of the smartest hockey heads I’ve ever seen. […] He’s already one of the best coaches in the league. He’s a special guy and everyone loves to play for him. […] I think our future is one of the brightest in the NHL,” he said, according to Le Journal de Montréal.
Even if the CH doesn’t stand out particularly in the overall standings, Martin St-Louis seems to be in agreement with Suzuki in the dressing room.