“Martin has been preparing since retiring to become a head coach in the NHL. He wasn’t just thinking about it, he was preparing. »
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Vincent Lecavalier knew the career plan for Martin St-Louis. It just remained to be seen when his former teammate with the Tampa Bay Lightning was to make it happen.
This day has arrived. At 46, St-Louis is the new interim head coach of the Montreal Canadiens.
“Martin always told me that. He wanted to become a coach. We often talk to each other since I also coach my son. I knew he wanted to do this job once his children were to get a bit older. »
Lecavalier was just coming out of training in Tampa with the hockey team of his ten-year-old son, Gabriel, when he spoke with the Journal to talk about his great friend’s challenge.
“I looked at the lists of candidates in Montreal to replace Dominique (Ducharme) one day and I never saw Martin’s name. It’s normal since he was not at a high level. But I know that’s what he’s wanted to do for a long time. Martin is a brilliant guy. He will do a good job.
“It’s another great challenge for him,” he continued. He overcame a ton of hardships to reach the NHL, he never gave up. He always came out a winner. We did not give him a gift, he made his way. It’s a great opportunity for him and I sincerely think he will take his chance with the Canadian. »
Superior Intelligence
Lecavalier won the Stanley Cup with St. Louis in 2004 in Tampa. He had his best seasons in the NHL with the small winger, winning the Maurice-Richard trophy in 2006-2007 thanks to a season of 52 goals. That year, the great number 4 had also crossed the 100 point plateau (108) for the only time in his career.
“I know a lot of hockey players. I played with several guys. But for me, Martin is the guy who helped me the most with hockey intelligence, on how to read the game and understand it, said Lecavalier. He was the best. »
“I played a few seasons with Martin as part of my line. When we came back to the bench, we often talked to each other. He understands the game, but he is also a good communicator. There are sometimes coaches who miss a string to their bow. For me, Martin will have the right tools. He has determination, he has communication and hockey intelligence. »
Lecavalier also feels he will win his challenge despite his lack of experience.
“It’s easy to say that he never coached. I would say, however, that in his last five, six or ten years in the NHL, he was still very active in the locker room. He asked questions with the coaches and his teammates. »
“Martin will find himself in front of a big challenge with the Canadian. But the young people of CH will be lucky to learn from him. He will teach guys how to behave like a real professional. I have no doubts about him. He is a unifier and a leader. »
No choice
Quite reserved in his time as a player with the media, St-Louis will now have microphones under his nose on a daily basis.
“He will have no choice. If he said yes to this position, he knows very well that it will come with media responsibilities, mentioned Lecavalier. It’s even bigger in Montreal. But that’s part of the game. Martin will speak his mind and fans will love him for his honesty. »