2024-03-19 00:28:00
Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes did not have any information to share on when head coach Martin St-Louis would possibly join the team on Monday.
Saturday afternoon, just before the game against the Calgary Flames, the Habs announced that their coach would be absent for an indefinite period for family reasons.
Present at the general managers’ meeting earlier this week, Hughes briefly commented on the situation, wanting to respect St. Louis’ privacy. The exact reasons for the absence from St-Louis have not been revealed in order to respect the family’s privacy.
“Family is always the priority,” said the CEO.
“We did everything to allow him to be with his family as quickly as possible. We have no further information at this time as to when he might return,” he added.
In his absence, Trevor Letowski was at the helm of the team in front of the Flames and the match ended in a 5-2 loss. Monday, he led his first practice.
Continuity for Trevor Letowski
As an assistant, Letowski is close to the players and focuses on specific aspects to discuss with them. The role changes a bit as head coach. He becomes the leader of the group and must find the right words when addressing the players. His experience in the junior ranks, at the helm of the Windsor Spitfires, allows him to ensure an easier transition. »
“Our job is to continue. I’m not going to incorporate anything new, Letowski said. Obviously, I’m not Martin. The way of getting the message across may be different. But the instructions will remain the same. I speak with him every day. »
“We all know how seriously Martin takes his job. He had a big impact on us, both individually and collectively. We want to honor him. »
Not only does Letowski rely on valuable support from the coaching staff, he must also count on the leaders among the players, who must ensure that the coach’s message is well received. Captain Nick Suzuki has known Letowski since the junior ranks, having worked with him with the Canadian team. At this stage of the season, the players know what they have to do, but communication with the leaders of the group takes on greater importance under the circumstances.
“It’s different now. The players see me in a different light, since I rarely get this kind of opportunity. My relationship with them does not change. Everything is going well,” said Letowski.
“Trevor is very intelligent and calm,” underlines captain Nick Suzuki. Our coaches are all former players, so relationships are easy. He does good things and helps Martin a lot. »
Letowski will send Samuel Montembeault into the fray on Tuesday against the Oilers. The Quebecer will try to stop a streak of four defeats. For their part, the Oilers have suffered only one defeat in regulation time in their last 10 outings.
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