Revealed!! Surprising facts people probably didn’t know about Martin St. Louis, the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens. The 1st fact will shock you

Martin St. Louis is widely known for his incredible NHL playing career and his current role as the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens. However, there are several surprising facts about him that many people may not be aware of. Here are some lesser-known details about St. Louis:

1. He Was Once Told He Was “Too Small” for the NHL

Throughout his early career, St. Louis was constantly overlooked due to his size (5’8″, 180 lbs). NHL scouts and teams dismissed him as too small to compete at the highest level. Despite dominating in college hockey, he went undrafted. This didn’t stop him—he worked his way up through the minor leagues, eventually becoming one of the best undrafted players in NHL history.

2. He Played College Hockey at Vermont and Set Records

Before making it to the NHL, St. Louis played for the University of Vermont from 1993 to 1997. During his time there, he was a standout player and set multiple school records, including:

• Most career points (267)
• Most career assists (176)
• He was also a three-time finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the best college hockey player in the U.S.

3. He Almost Played for the Ottawa Senators

In 1997, St. Louis went undrafted but was invited to the Ottawa Senators’ training camp. However, he was cut before the season started. The Calgary Flames eventually signed him in 1998, giving him his first shot in the NHL.

4. He Was Not an Instant Success in the NHL

Even after making it to the NHL, St. Louis struggled early in his career. He played sparingly with the Calgary Flames before they let him go in 2000. That decision turned out to be a massive mistake, as he later signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he became a superstar.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 14: Head Coach Martin St. Louis of the Montreal Canadiens follows gameplay during the third period of a game against the Utah Hockey Club on January 14, 2025 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

5. He Went from Being Undrafted to Winning the Hart Trophy

St. Louis defied all odds by not only making the NHL but also becoming the league MVP (Hart Trophy winner) in 2004. That same year, he also won:

• The Art Ross Trophy (Leading Scorer in the NHL)
• The Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay
• The Lester B. Pearson Award (Now Called the Ted Lindsay Award) as the Most Outstanding Player, Voted by the Players

6. He Had an Unbelievable Comeback Season at Age 37

Most players decline in their mid-30s, but in the 2012-13 season (at age 37), St. Louis won his second Art Ross Trophy, becoming the oldest player ever to lead the NHL in scoring. That record stood until 2021 when Connor McDavid broke it.

7. His Mother Passed Away Just Before He Led Team Canada to Olympic Gold

During the 2014 Winter Olympics, St. Louis was added to Team Canada as a replacement for an injured Steven Stamkos. Shortly after the Olympics, his mother, France St. Louis, suddenly passed away. Despite his grief, he played a key role in the playoffs for the New York Rangers, helping them reach the Stanley Cup Final. His emotional goal on Mother’s Day during the playoffs remains one of the most memorable moments of his career.

8. He Wasn’t Initially Considered for the Canadiens’ Head Coaching Job

When the Montreal Canadiens fired Dominique Ducharme in 2022, many expected them to hire an experienced NHL coach. Instead, they shocked the hockey world by hiring St. Louis, who had zero professional coaching experience. His only prior coaching experience was in youth hockey, coaching his sons’ teams.

9. He Has a Unique Coaching Philosophy Focused on “Concepts” Over “Systems”

Unlike many NHL coaches who rely on rigid systems, St. Louis believes in a “concepts-based” approach, meaning he encourages players to read the game rather than just follow strict tactics. This philosophy has been praised for helping young players develop their hockey IQ.

10. His Sons Are Talented Hockey Players

St. Louis has three sons—Ryan, Lucas, and Mason—who are all talented hockey players.

• Ryan St. Louis played for the U.S. National Development Team and is currently playing college hockey.
• Lucas St. Louis plays in the USHL, a major stepping stone to the NHL.
• Mason St. Louis plays in Quebec’s youth hockey leagues.

11. He Was Inducted Into the Hockey Hall of Fame in His First Year of Eligibility

In 2018, St. Louis was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, recognizing his incredible underdog story. He became the first undrafted forward in the modern era to achieve this honor.

Martin St. Louis’ career is a true testament to perseverance, proving that heart, skill, and determination can overcome any obstacles. Even in his coaching career, he continues to defy expectations.