As the NHL season draws to a close and awards season takes center stage, anticipation and excitement ripple through the hockey community. For the Montreal Canadiens and their passionate fan base, this year’s Jack Adams Trophy race held special significance.

Head coach Martin St-Louis, known for his relentless drive and inspiring leadership, had guided the team through a season filled with challenges and unexpected triumphs. His efforts did not go unnoticed, earning him recognition as one of the league’s top coaching minds and sparking hope that he might capture one of hockey’s most prestigious honors.

However, just as the buzz reached its peak, the announcement of the Jack Adams Award winner brought a wave of mixed emotions to the Canadiens’ camp. The honor ultimately went to Spencer Carbery, the architect behind the Washington Capitals’ dramatic turnaround and the coach who had recently dashed Montreal’s playoff hopes. For St-Louis, the news was undoubtedly a tough pill to swallow, especially after such a remarkable season at the helm.

As the hockey world reacts to the league’s decision and debates its merits, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on both coaches. Their journeys this season have left a lasting impression, and the conversation is far from over.

Apr 30, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis (L) shakes hands with Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery (R) in the handshake line after game five of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, Martin St-Louis, has just received some unfortunate news.

It’s undoubtedly a disappointment for the competitor he is, but he ultimately did not win the Jack Adams Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s Coach of the Year.

Instead, the prestigious honor went to Spencer Carbery, the head coach of the Washington Capitals (who notably eliminated the Habs in the playoffs).

Spencer Carbery Named NHL Coach of the Year: Disappointment for Martin St-Louis

See the official announcement.

Spencer Carbery got quite the surprise from his family after winning the Jack Adams Award.

– National Hockey League

And the full official press release:

Spencer Carbery of the Capitals is this year’s Jack Adams Award winner!

The Jack Adams Award is presented annually to the NHL coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team’s success.

– National Hockey League

Do you think it was the right call?

Personally, I absolutely believe Martin St-Louis deserved to win it, but at the same time, we must admit what Carbery achieved with the Capitals is truly remarkable.

We’re talking about a team that, in just a few months, went from the bottom of the NHL standings (in 2023-24) to second overall in the NHL in 2025 (1st in the East).

Congratulations to Spencer Carbery!

More details to come.