In a move that won’t surprise anyone accustomed to his outspokenness, Bob Hartley fiercely criticized Martin St-Louis for his handling of Joshua Roy, publicly claiming that the young prospect never got the real chance he deserved.
In the midst of turmoil within the Montreal Canadiens, Hartley was simply scathing with his words on BPM Sports:
“Joshua never had a chance. He was never positioned to perform. »
These comments are not just a simple criticism. They are a direct message to Martin St-Louis, a coach who seems increasingly challenged, and a signal to fans who are demanding a radical change behind the Habs bench.
Since the start of the season, Joshua Roy has shown flashes of talent, but was relegated to marginal roles before being demoted.
If Martin St-Louis sees this decision as a way to “protect” the young player, Hartley does not buy this explanation.
For him, this is a major strategic error, rooted in a misreading of Roy’s potential.
Hartley stressed that Roy should have been put in a position to succeed, not limited by timid management:
“When you have young players like Roy, you have to put them in situations where they can stand out. Otherwise, why keep them in the NHL? »
For Hartley, this mismanagement of St. Louis is not an isolated case. It reflects a larger problem in the treatment of young players within the current organization.
On social networks, supporters are going wild. Comparisons with Charles Hudon, another Quebec hopeful who never found his place with the CH, are coming from all sides:
“Roy is the new Charles Hudon. »
“It’s deserved and he wasn’t better than those who are there!” Too bad for him! »
While some defend St. Louis’ decision, many accuse the coach of sabotaging not only Roy, but the entire development of young players.
Frustration grew, and Hartley, a respected figure and Stanley Cup champion, seemed to embody the solution.
The timing of Hartley’s criticism is not innocent. As the Canadian goes through a series of embarrassing defeats, the name of the former coach comes up in every conversation.
For many fans, replacing Martin St-Louis with Bob Hartley would be the best decision Geoff Molson could make. After all, Hartley is a coach with an impeccable track record:
Stanley Cup champion with the Colorado Avalanche.
Former coach of the Calgary Flames, where he led a young team to exceed expectations.
Known for his discipline and his ability to get the best out of his players.
On the other hand, St-Louis, despite his charisma and his history as a legendary player, is increasingly showing his limits as a coach. Hartley also added a well-aimed arrow on this subject:
“It’s not a team with a structure. It lacks direction, and it starts behind the bench. »
Martin St-Louis’ refusal to integrate experienced figures like Hartley into his coaching staff is a glaring example of his ego taking precedence over the team’s needs.
However, the arrival of a Hartley, even in an advisory role, could transform the losing atmosphere that reigns in Montreal.
But if St. Louis continues to reject all outside help and persists in its contested management, it risks sealing its fate.
Hartley’s criticism is not just a personal attack: it is a reflection of a general frustration that could well lead to a change behind the bench.
Bob Hartley, with his experience and candor, represents what Martin St-Louis is not: a leader willing to make difficult decisions and impose strict discipline.
For fans, Hartley is more than a critic: he is the symbol of what the Canadiens could become if the organization finally agreed to turn the page on the St. Louis era.
Time is running out for Geoff Molson and Kent Hughes. Continuing to protect St. Louis, despite criticism and failures, could cost the organization dearly.
And if Hartley remains in the shadows for the moment, his name already resonates as obvious among the supporters.
St. Louis needs to respond, or Hartley could become more than a critic: He could be the next man behind the bench.
Because after the scathing declarations of our national Bob, social networks went up in flames.
“We’ve seen enough of Martin St-Louis improvising behind the bench. CH needs a real coach. Hartley would be perfect to bring back structure and empower the players. »
“It takes Hartley to Montreal, not in an advisory role, but as a head coach. He is the only one who can manage this team with discipline and rigor. »
“St-Louis doesn’t know what he’s doing. Hartley won a Stanley Cup. Why are we wasting our time? »
For supporters, Bob Hartley represents the opposite of what they accuse of Martin St-Louis. Where St-Louis is seen as hesitant and sometimes disconnected from the tactical realities of the NHL, Hartley is seen as a rigorous technician, a man of principles capable of giving clear direction to the team.
“If the Canadian wants to become a respected team again, we need Hartley. He has the experience, the discipline and above all, a vision. St. Louis is over. »
Beyond Martin St-Louis, the entire management is called into question. Some accuse Geoff Molson and Kent Hughes of sticking with an inexperienced coach simply to avoid media criticism.
A trend that fans denounce:
“Are we rebuilding or are we pretending? St-Louis has no experience. Hartley is available. Make the right choice. »
“What’s the excuse for not hiring Hartley?” He is from Quebec, he won a Stanley Cup and he is ready. Enough, Molson. »
This collective frustration grows as the defeats accumulate and the Canadian stagnates at the bottom of the rankings.
“St-Louis is not the man for the job. Hartley could get the Canadian back on track, and everyone knows it. What are we waiting for? »
The pressure is now on Geoff Molson and Kent Hughes. If the results don’t change quickly, the fan’s cry for Bob Hartley to take charge could become impossible to ignore.
One thing is certain: if St-Louis stumbles, Hartley’s shadow already looms over the Bell Center.
