Martin St-Louis is the new interim head coach of the Montreal Canadiens. The team made the announcement Wednesday afternoon, hours after firing Dominique Ducharme.
Posted at 4:39 p.m.
Updated at 4:50 p.m.
St-Louis, 46, becomes head coach in the NHL for the first time. His only experience as a coach in the circuit is limited to half a season as a consultant with the Columbus Blue Jackets, in 2018-2019.
According to the Elite-Prospects site, St-Louis held the position of assistant coach for the 13-and-under Rangers in Mid-Fairfield, Connecticut this season.
Note that he is appointed on an interim basis. According to Sportsnet colleague Elliotte Friedman, St. Louis has an agreement that binds him to the team by the end of the season, after which the situation will be reassessed.
St. Louis has had a successful playing career, winning a Stanley Cup (2004), an Olympic gold medal (2014) and two Art-Ross trophies (2004 and 2013). He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in November 2018.
“We’re not only adding an excellent hockey mind, but we’re bringing in Martin a respected winner and a man whose competitive qualities are recognized by all who have crossed his path,” said Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes. in a press release.
There are many links between St-Louis and the new Canadiens staff. St. Louis’ oldest son, Ryan, currently plays with Hughes’ sons at Northeastern University. St-Louis also ended his career with the New York Rangers, for a season and a half, when Jeff Gorton – vice-president of hockey operations for the Canadiens – held the position of assistant general manager.
St-Louis will therefore replace Ducharme, his former teammate at the University of Vermont. They crossed paths there for two seasons, from 1993 to 1995.
St-Louis, Hughes and Gorton will speak to the media Thursday morning in Brossard.