So, we wonder why the Montreal Canadiens have still not made up for the absence of a former experienced player to support Martin St-Louis and serve as a guide to the youngsters.
Michel Therrien, with his usual frankness, did not hesitate to point out what seems to him to be a glaring lack in the current CH staff.
For Therrien, a former player who knows the NHL inside out, it makes all the difference.
And he speaks from experience: in his early days, he had Guy Carbonneau at his side, a veteran who brought this rigor and discipline that young people need so much.
This role was that of Alex Burrows until very recently.
Burrows, a seasoned former player, knew how to talk to young people, show them how to prepare and face the NHL without getting lost in the details.
It was the solid relay from St. Louis, the voice of a guy who knew the battles and understood what it takes to succeed in this league.
Since his departure, the Canadian has not really replaced this voice.
There were four behind the bench, now there are three, and the void left by Burrows is felt.
Therrien, who knows well the importance of experienced assistants, spoke about it frankly in an interview with Jean-Charles Lajoie.
“What is important for an assistant is often the communication you will have with certain players.
Will the complicity with one player be different with another? » he explained, emphasizing that the role of a veteran behind the bench is not limited to the technical aspects.
It’s a question of creating links, of knowing how to guide players in more complex moments, and of bringing this stability on a daily basis.
Today, on most teams, we have four coaches behind the bench.
Many organizations use this structure because it provides essential depth and support, especially for developing teams.
But there, someone is missing to fill this veteran role, someone who knows what to do on the ice and in the locker room.
It’s not just a question of tactics; it’s a question of experience, know-how, and the ability to translate coaching expectations into language that players understand.
When you have young players who are still finding their feet, it is essential to have solid role models.
St-Louis knows the NHL, that’s undeniable, but the daily life of a coaching staff also involves having assistants with this practical experience.
A former player like Burrows made that connection; he was close to the players, understood their realities, and knew how to supervise them on a day-to-day basis.
With a veteran on his side, St. Louis would have more well-rounded support, an experienced voice who could bring the young guys back to the basics.
In short, Therrien sends a clear message: it is time for the Canadian to fill this void.
Martin St-Louis may also be a former player, but an assistant with this daily experience in the NHL is an irreplaceable asset, especially for a team under construction.
Ultimately, if the Canadian wants to progress, he needs a solid structure, and that requires the constant presence of a veteran who knows the game from the inside.
To be continued
