MONTREAL – In a jaw-dropping announcement that has sent shockwaves through the hockey world, Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis has been named the 2025 Jack Adams Award winner, earning the NHL’s Coach of the Year honor despite the Habs’ rollercoaster season and missing the playoffs.
Yes, you read that right.
The Canadiens finished with a modest record — nowhere near the Eastern Conference’s elite — and yet, it was St. Louis who walked away with the league’s most prestigious coaching trophy. And the reaction? Let’s just say jaws hit the floor from Montreal to Manhattan.
A Coach Who Transcended Wins and Losses
While many expected the honor to go to a playoff-bound bench boss like Rick Bowness (Winnipeg Jets) or Kris Knoblauch (Edmonton Oilers), the league instead recognized the remarkable transformation St. Louis has brought to Montreal since taking over behind the bench.
Under his leadership, a young and rebuilding Canadiens squad showed fight, resilience, and a clear identity — something that had been missing for years. Even with injuries, inexperience, and a brutal Atlantic Division schedule, Montreal played with heart every single night.
St. Louis didn’t just coach — he inspired.
Why the NHL Voters Fell in Love With Marty’s Magic
So why the win?
Sources around the league cite several key reasons:
Development Over Results: The Canadiens saw breakout seasons from multiple young players — including Juraj Slafkovský and Kaiden Guhle — who credited St. Louis’ player-first mentality and elite hockey IQ.
Culture Shift: Montreal no longer looked lost. They played fast, aggressive, and with purpose — a stark contrast to the pre-St. Louis era.
Media & Fan Respect: He turned doubters into believers. The hockey world, once skeptical of a former winger with no prior coaching experience, now sees him as a visionary behind the bench.
“It’s About Belief” – St. Louis Speaks
“I never expected this,” St. Louis said, visibly emotional during his acceptance speech. “But it goes to show — this game isn’t just about wins. It’s about building something, and I’m proud of what we’re building in Montreal.”
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Habs
With this award, St. Louis cements his place as the central figure in Montreal’s rebuild. It’s a signal to fans and players alike: the Canadiens are on the rise — and they’ve got the right man leading the charge.
Next season suddenly feels a whole lot more exciting at the Bell Centre