Martin St. Louis Shocks Hockey World by Winning NHL Coach of the Year in 2025

In a stunning turn of events, Martin St. Louis has been named the 2025 NHL Coach of the Year, despite leading the Montreal Canadiens to a modest 91-point season and a first-round exit in the playoffs.

This marks a remarkable achievement for the 49-year-old head coach, who took over the Canadiens in February 2022 with little professional coaching experience.

Under St. Louis’s leadership, the Canadiens showed significant improvement, clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 2021. The team’s performance surged in the latter half of the season, with a 15–5–6 record after the midseason hiatus.

St. Louis’s ability to instill confidence in his players, particularly young talents like Cole Caufield, has been widely praised. His approach emphasizes player development and accountability, fostering a competitive environment within the team.

Despite the team’s overall performance being considered mediocre, St. Louis’s coaching prowess has been recognized by his peers.

He was named a finalist for the Jack Adams Award, alongside Scott Arniel of the Winnipeg Jets and Spencer Carbery of the Washington Capitals.

Armed with a 56–22–4 record, Arniel led the Jets to their first Presidents’ Trophy, while Carbery guided the Capitals to the best record in the Eastern Conference.

St. Louis’s journey from an undrafted player to a Hall of Famer and now to an NHL head coach is a testament to his dedication and understanding of the game.

His ability to adapt and grow as a coach has been instrumental in the Canadiens’ resurgence. The recognition of his efforts, even amidst a season of rebuilding, underscores the impact a coach can have on a team’s trajectory.

As the Canadiens look to build upon this success, St. Louis’s leadership will be crucial in guiding the team toward greater achievements in the seasons to come.