It’s often overlooked that while the Montreal Canadiens’ core is quite young, their coach, Martin St-Louis, is also relatively new to the NHL coaching scene. He stepped into the role without prior experience in the major leagues, but has since developed alongside his team and appears to have a solid grip on managing his players. The question remains, however: what areas does he need to improve in order to become a better coach?
This inquiry was raised by 98.5 host Yannick Bouchard during a discussion with general manager Kent Hughes, who offered an intriguing perspective.
“Delegate. Although Martin (St-Louis) is incredibly dedicated, as a coach, you simply can’t handle everything yourself. It’s essential to trust your team and let them take on responsibilities. Martin’s work ethic is commendable, but he tends to want to take on too much” – Kent Hughes.
This insight is noteworthy, considering St-Louis’s reputation as a hard worker. Yet, for the 2024-2025 season, he has taken on even greater responsibilities than before, specifically managing the power play himself instead of delegating it to an assistant. While he aims to leave his mark on the team, as Hughes pointed out, he must learn to rely on those around him. Ultimately, achieving success is a collaborative effort.
So, the question arises: is Kent Hughes taking on too much responsibility at this stage?
For now, my answer is no. The Canadiens are not currently focused on winning the Stanley Cup, and Martin St-Louis’s primary aim should be to foster individual growth among players. The stakes aren’t excessively high at this point, so he can manage the pressure. However, as the team moves closer to the necessity of winning, the environment in Montreal can be unforgiving, and St-Louis will need to be adept at delegation when that time arrives.
