The climate was electric yesterday during Martin St-Louis’ press conference, while the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens was confronted with a question from Jonathan Bernier of the Journal de Montréal regarding the recent trip of the management of the team in Russia.
Bernier, citing the controversy surrounding Kent Hughes and his meeting with Roman Rotenberg reported in the Journal de Montréal by his colleague Jean-Nicolas Blanchet, asked St-Louis to comment on this hot topic.
“I won’t comment on that. »
Here is the sequence:
The tense atmosphere did not dissipate after this abrupt response. According to several witnesses, Martin St-Louis was visibly furious after the press conference, and with good reason.
Why involve the head coach, who had no direct involvement in this controversial trip, in a matter that is exclusively the responsibility of the team management?
Martin St-Louis’ anger is understandable. As a coach, he is focused on his work with the players and on-ice performances, far from political maneuvering and international management meetings.
But by putting him in the hot seat in this sensitive issue, the Journal de Montréal has crossed a line.
The trip of Kent Hughes, Vincent Lecavalier and Nick Bobrov to Russia, and their meeting with the controversial Roman Rotenberg, has already caused a media outcry.
Rotenberg’s ties to Vladimir Putin, combined with the tense geopolitical context, fueled criticism of the Montreal Canadiens in the Journal de Montréal.
But involving St. Louis in this matter seems not only unfair, but also ill-advised.
St-Louis, true to his direct style, expressed his frustration after the press conference in private:
He is not going to answer for decisions he has nothing to do with. His job is here, with the team. Not in political meetings.
The uneasiness is all the greater as this question highlights a growing divide within the organization.
The leadership, represented by Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton, made a controversial decision to travel to Russia, a move that some public figures described as “uncomfortable” and “morally questionable.”
Meanwhile, Martin St-Louis, on whom rests the responsibility of preparing the team for its matches, finds himself despite himself involved in a storm that he did not create.
This situation also highlights growing tension between the media and the organization.
If St-Louis is known for its ability to manage media pressure, this incident shows that it has limits, especially when political questions encroach on its sporting role.
What is particularly disturbing about this case is the way in which sports and politics intertwine. While the Canadians attempt to justify their trip as a move to protect the development of Ivan Demidov, their top draft pick, that explanation falls flat in the face of criticism of a meeting with figures close to the Russian regime.
And St. Louis knows it. As a public figure, he understands the importance of perceptions, but he refuses to carry the burden of a decision that is not his.
His role is to coach, not navigate murky political waters.
By involving Martin St-Louis in this affair, the Journal de Montréal not only lacked discernment, but also added unnecessary weight on the shoulders of a coach already under pressure.
For St-Louis, this episode will remain a scar in its relations with the media.
And for the Montreal Canadiens, we must clarify roles and avoid such scandals disrupting a team that is already struggling to find its identity on the ice.
In the meantime, St-Louis has made it clear: he will not forgive the Journal de Montréal for smearing his family.
Quebecor’s written media described the visit of Kent Hughes, Vincent Lecavalier and Nick Bobrov to St. Petersburg as “uncomfortable” and “reprehensible.”
According to certain experts cited by the daily, this visit could be seen as direct support for Vladimir Putin.
These criticisms are so exaggerated when we consider the purely sporting context of this approach. Ivan Demidov, a jewel of the Montreal organization, is in open conflict with his club, SKA Saint Petersburg.
Victim of political treatment and questionable management by Roman Rotenberg, his controversial coach, Demidov is limited in his playing time despite impressive performances.
For the Canadiens, this trip is a legitimate attempt to ensure the development of a key player and prepare for his eventual transition to the NHL.
As CH captain Nick Suzuki pointed out:
“It’s normal that our leaders travel to see him. It is part of our future. »
To criticize this initiative is to ignore the very essence of the role of a hockey organization: to ensure the well-being and development of its players, regardless of borders or circumstances.
Demidov, who has barely turned 19, must face a bureaucratic and political machine much bigger than him.
This direct support from the Canadians is not only a strategic decision, but also a human approach, aimed at showing the young player that he is not alone.
Defender Mike Matheson defended his GM.
“For Ivan, it shows that the team cares about him. It’s certain that it will give him confidence. »
Demidov is a key piece of this reconstruction, and the organization has a duty to protect him from the abuse he suffered within the SKA.
The goal was clear: to ensure that Demidov received the support necessary to develop as a player and future key member of the Habs.
Martin St-Louis’ anger was justified. By questioning him about an affair in which he played no role, the Journal de Montréal not only diverted attention from the sporting issue, but also sought to create a scandal that did not exist.
The Journal de Montréal would do better to focus its criticism on the real challenges the Canadiens face on the ice.
Martin St-Louis may have closed the door on this discussion by declaring that he would not comment, but his message was clear: he will not allow himself to be drawn into a controversy that does not concern him.
And he is right.
