Martin St. Louis Named Finalist for Jack Adams Award After Leading Canadiens Back to Playoffs
In a testament to his remarkable coaching prowess and leadership, Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis has been named a finalist for the 2025 Jack Adams Award.
The prestigious award is given annually to the NHL head coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his teamโs success. St. Louisโ nomination comes on the heels of a transformational season for the Canadiens, who returned to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2021.
St. Louis, a Hockey Hall of Famer and former NHL star, took over behind the bench as interim head coach in February 2022. His permanent appointment later that year marked the beginning of a cultural and strategic shift for the storied franchise.
After years of rebuilding and inconsistent results, the 2024โ25 season saw a reinvigorated Canadiens squad that demonstrated grit, skill, and consistencyโhallmarks of St. Louisโ playing and coaching style.
The Canadiens finished the regular season with 91 points, marking a 15-point improvement over the previous year. The turnaround was not only reflected in the standings but also in the teamโs on-ice identity. Under St. Louisโ guidance, the Canadiens developed a fast-paced, structured game that relied on aggressive forechecking, disciplined defensive systems, and the integration of emerging young talent.
Perhaps most impressive was St. Louisโ ability to navigate adversity. Midway through the season, he took an indefinite leave of absence to be with his family following a serious injury suffered by his son during a youth hockey game.
He returned later in March, rejoining the team during a crucial stretch. Despite the emotional challenge, his absence did not derail the teamโs focusโa reflection of the culture he had already instilled in the locker room.
Players have credited St. Louis with instilling confidence and accountability across the roster. Veteran players have thrived under his system, while younger players have embraced their roles and responsibilities. The balance heโs struck between mentorship and tactical sharpness has resonated throughout the organization.
St. Louis is joined by Rick Bowness of the Winnipeg Jets and Andrew Brunette of the Nashville Predators as finalists for the award. The winner will be announced during the NHL Awards ceremony in late June.
Regardless of the outcome, St. Louisโ recognition is a validation of the work he and his staff have done to restore competitive hockey in Montreal. It also signals a promising future for a team that appears to be emerging from its rebuilding phase with renewed purpose and identity.
For Canadiens fans, St. Louisโ nomination is more than an individual accoladeโit’s a symbol of the team’s resurgence and a reason to believe in whatโs ahead.