Whether it’s at work, in love or when it comes to choosing the flavors of your Timbits, years and experiences allow you to determine more precisely and quickly what you want. It’s the same thing with coaches.
Martin St-Louis begins his third training camp at the helm of the Canadiens this week. More than ever, the pool of prospects he has at hand is strong. Now, he can afford to choose those who will best meet the criteria established when the new staff arrived during the 2021-2022 season.
Photo credit: Getty Images via AFP
“We’ve been in the process of creating hockey players for two years. The guys now know the definition,” said the Canadiens’ pilot Wednesday morning, at the opening of the team’s training camp.
Don’t get me wrong. A hockey player is not the same as someone who plays hockey.
“A hockey player is a guy who plays the game. Not just his game,” he said, true to form. “Sometimes it requires physical play, sometimes it requires skill. The situations are different.”
“The hockey player is able to adjust to whatever comes his way,” he continued. “He has to be ready for anything. He has to be brave.”
The Caufield example
Among the younger members of his group, he argued that Cole Caufield is one of those who has made the most progress in this area over the past season.
“He’s always been talented, he’s always scored goals. Last year, he got a lot of criticism because he didn’t score as much,” St. Louis said. “But he made big strides toward what a hockey player is. His game was more complete. He was physically involved, he was winning battles. He wasn’t just on the perimeter getting his touches.”
Of the rookies who will be battling for a role over the next three weeks, Owen Beck might be the one who comes closest to St. Louis’ definition. The Ontarian is capable of scoring goals and making plays, but, if the situation calls for it, he also has the determination to drop back defensively and show up in the corners.
An ally for Hutson
Which brings us to the defensemen, the focus of this fall. Whether it’s Lane Hutson, Logan Mailloux or David Reinbacher, their offensive talent is undeniable. It’s what has allowed them to find success in the lower ranks.
However, in the NHL, it is impossible to get by without applying yourself defensively.
“Yes, it’s important. Playing the game, that’s what it’s all about,” he hammered home. “We know Hutson has offensive talent. It could happen in his first four shifts, or it could happen not in his first four shifts. But he has to be ready for anything. If you push too hard for that [l’attaque]you take care of one person: yourself. If you play the game, you take care of the whole team.”
Besides, St-Louis is convinced that he will be able to help Hutson learn to play without the puck.
“One of my strengths is that I don’t coach puck possession.”
Watch the full St. Louis press briefing in the video above.
