The current top five longest-tenured coaches in the NHL are ahead of Martin St. Louis. Sheldon Keefe, who was fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs, was the fifth longest-tenured coach until his dismissal. He had been hired in November 2019, giving him five seasons behind Toronto’s bench.
Now, Andre Tourigny holds the fifth position. He was appointed by the now-defunct Arizona Coyotes in July 2021, just seven months before St. Louis was hired by the Montreal Canadiens.
As for when St. Louis should start worrying about his job, it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact timeframe. Coaching positions in professional sports are inherently volatile, and job security can change rapidly based on team performance and management decisions. However, consistent underperformance or failure to meet expectations could potentially put St. Louis’s job at risk, although every situation is unique.
In fourth place is Rod Brind’Amour, who has been coaching the Carolina Hurricanes since May 2018, totaling a little over five seasons. Known for his firm yet supportive coaching style, Brind’Amour has been instrumental in guiding the Hurricanes.
With his contract set to expire on July 1, Brind’Amour could become a highly coveted figure if an extension isn’t negotiated. The Toronto Maple Leafs, among other teams, could benefit from his leadership. Brind’Amour’s ability to instill discipline and maximize player performance might be just what the Leafs need to excel in the playoffs.
Jared Bednar of the Colorado Avalanche holds the third spot after assuming the coaching duties from Patrick Roy, who left the team in August 2016. Despite it being Bednar’s first NHL coaching job, he seamlessly integrated his coaching style and led the Avalanche to their first Stanley Cup appearance since 2000-01.
In second place is Mike Sullivan, who has been coaching the Pittsburgh Penguins since December 2015. Sullivan’s continued tenure with the Penguins might seem surprising given the team’s recent playoff absences. However, the blame for these shortcomings lies more with management decisions, such as re-signing aging stars Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang in July 2022. Coaches often bear the brunt of such decisions, but Sullivan has yet to face repercussions.
Martin St. Louis has been at the helm of the Montreal Canadiens since February 9, 2022, without leading the team to the playoffs yet. However, his job has been secure due to the organization’s decision to undergo a complete rebuild, which didn’t set immediate playoff expectations. This leniency extends to Andre Tourigny’s former team, the Arizona Coyotes.
Upon his appointment as general manager, Kent Hughes emphasized the importance of having a team with speed and a potent offensive strategy. He also stressed the importance of aligning the team’s roster with the coach’s style, which is now starting to take shape. The Canadiens are adopting a faster-paced game, departing from the defense-first mentality that characterized the team for the past fifteen years. This evolution suggests that the roster is better suited to St. Louis’s coaching philosophy.
St. Louis has demonstrated a knack for nurturing young talent, notably unlocking Cole Caufield’s potential and helping him develop into a more well-rounded player. Similarly, Juraj Slafkovsky has shown significant improvement under St. Louis’ guidance.
As general manager Kent Hughes diligently assembles the components necessary for sustained success, St. Louis is tasked with ensuring that these pieces fit together seamlessly. While the Canadiens are currently in a rebuilding phase, there will come a time when playoff expectations return, and results become paramount. Thus far, St. Louis has excelled in player development, a crucial aspect of the team’s long-term vision. As Montreal progresses towards playoff contention, his ability to continue fostering player growth will be vital.