Trevor Letowski Appointed Interim Head Coach of Montreal Canadiens Amidst Martin St. Louis’ Family Leave
The Montreal Canadiens have announced that assistant coach Trevor Letowski will serve as interim head coach following Martin St. Louis’ indefinite leave of absence for family reasons.
St. Louis, who has been with the team since February 2022, is taking time away to support his family after his 16-year-old son, Mason, was hospitalized due to complications from a youth hockey injury. Mason’s condition has since stabilized, and he is recovering at home in Connecticut.
Letowski, 46, is in his third season as an assistant coach with the Canadiens. Prior to joining Montreal, he served as head coach of the Ontario Hockey League’s Windsor Spitfires and played 616 NHL games with the Phoenix Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Carolina Hurricanes. He was informed of St. Louis’ leave on Friday and has since stepped into the head coaching role.
Under Letowski’s guidance, the Canadiens are aiming to maintain stability and focus during this challenging period. Team captain Nick Suzuki emphasized the collective effort required in the absence of their head coach, stating, “Leaders need to step up. Coaches are put in a different position. We’re helping them. They’re helping us. When you lose your big leader like that, everyone’s got to pull on the same rope”.
The Canadiens organization has expressed full support for St. Louis and his family during this time. General manager Kent Hughes and team president Geoff Molson have both extended their best wishes to the St. Louis family and have pledged to assist in any way possible. The team is committed to ensuring that the coaching staff and players have the resources and support needed to continue their season effectively.
As the Canadiens navigate this transition, Letowski’s leadership will be crucial in maintaining team morale and performance. The organization remains focused on providing a supportive environment for both the St. Louis family and the team as they move forward.