Since his arrival behind the bench of the Montreal Canadiens, Martin St-Louis has had to deal with a historic wave of criticism.
Rumors of dismissal arose, fueled in particular by media personalities like Jean-Charles Lajoie, who had predicted St-Louis’ resignation.
Today, Kent Hughes, general manager of the Canadiens, wanted to set the record straight by affirming his infinite support for his head coach and sending a clear message to his detractors: Martin St-Louis is here to stay .
During his interview with Jean-Charles Lajoie in Brossard, Hughes highlighted the metamorphosis of the team under the direction of St-Louis. It is no longer just a question of individual talent, but of collective maturity.
“I see something different in our players this time, a more business and matter of fact approach: “We’re going to the next match” said Hughes, highlighting a cultural shift within the team.
The general manager compared this current attitude with that of previous years, where players tended to celebrate victories more excessively.
Today, the team looks further ahead, focusing on the next challenge rather than the latest success.
“It comes with maturity”he added.
Hughes hasn’t dodged the firing rumors and criticism leveled at his coach. In particular, he launched an indirect but incisive response to Lajoie, who had announced that St-Louis could throw in the towel.
“The players play for Martin”he said, quoting Kaiden Guhle.
“They play for themselves, but they play for everyone, not just the bedroom. Because sometimes the chamber can resign on a coach or someone in the organization. This is not the case here. »
This statement says a lot about the relationship between St. Louis and its players. Contrary to what some have suggested, the coach still enjoys the respect and trust of his locker room.
Hughes also highlighted the profound change taking place in the organization’s culture.
Where failures would once have led to conflict and blame, the team now approaches challenges with a collective mentality.
“When things go wrong, instead of everyone blaming themselves and someone else, it’s OUR problem, a problem we have to solve together,” Hughes said.
This development is largely attributable to St-Louis, whose philosophy focused on individual and collective development is beginning to bear fruit.
For Hughes, this solid foundation is the foundation upon which the future of the organization rests.
With the Canadian in the midst of a race for a playoff spot, Hughes took the opportunity to reaffirm his confidence in his head coach and to respond to rumors of resignation or dismissal that circulated earlier this season.
He heard absurd rumors about Martin. But Hughes reiterates that Martin is the cornerstone of this project, and there was never any question of replacing him. The evil tongues should perhaps reconsider their judgment is the massage conveyed by Hughes with firmness.
This public support sends a clear message: Martin St-Louis is not just a passing coach. He is a master of the rebuilding process and a key player in the team’s future success.
Jean-Charles Lajoie, who predicted the resignation of St-Louis, now finds himself at the heart of the discussions. Hughes did not name Lajoie directly, but his comments left no doubt as to the target of his criticism.
St-Louis, which some already saw at the start, is today firmly in position and continues to earn the respect of its players and its managers.
Those who doubt Martin should just look at what this team accomplishes on the ice is Hughes’ message.
Under the orders of Martin St-Louis, the Montreal Canadiens are more than ever a team on the move. The results don’t lie: constant progress, a renewed culture and a united locker room.
If some critics persist, they will now have to confront an undeniable reality: Martin St-Louis has proven that he deserves his place.
Kent Hughes’ confidence in his coach sends a strong signal to the league and fans: the Canadian is not only rebuilding a team, he is redefining his identity. And Martin St-Louis is at the center of this transformation.
He has a contract…for life…
Martin St-Louis will never be fired. The day he leaves, it will be his decision.
