In the midst of a summer filled with high hopes and growing expectations for the Montreal Canadiens, head coach Martin St-Louis has been dealt an unexpected setback.

As the NHL offseason unfolds, St-Louis—widely regarded as one of the league’s brightest coaching minds and a frontrunner for the prestigious 2026 Jack Adams Trophy—finds himself conspicuously absent from Team Canada’s coaching staff for the upcoming Winter Olympics.

The news comes as a shock to many, given St-Louis’ storied history with Hockey Canada as a player and his remarkable ability to connect with today’s NHL stars.

While the decision to retain the coaching staff that recently led Canada to international victory may have its merits, it leaves fans and analysts alike questioning what more St-Louis could have done to earn a spot behind the bench.

As the Canadiens prepare for a pivotal season, this snub adds an unexpected twist to St-Louis’ journey and raises fresh questions about Team Canada’s direction on the world stage.

Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Montreal Canadiens head coach, Martin St-Louis, has just received disappointing news in the middle of the NHL offseason.

The man who is currently one of the favorites across the NHL to win the 2026 Jack Adams Trophy, awarded to the league’s coach of the year, has been overlooked by Team Canada for the upcoming Olympic Games.

Considering everything Martin St-Louis gave to Team Canada during his playing career, how well he would have connected with most of the players, and the fact that he’s the favorite for the Jack Adams, it’s obviously a letdown.

Bad News: Martin St-Louis Overlooked by Team Canada Ahead of the Next Olympic Games

Let’s now hope that the same fate doesn’t happen to captain Nick Suzuki.

“Hockey Canada has confirmed that the same group of coaches who led the national team to victory during the Four Nations Face-Off will return for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.”

That means.. no Martin St-Louis at the 2026 Olympics!

I understand the logic, but at the same time, it’s disappointing to see a name like Peter DeBoer chosen over a coach like Martin St-Louis.

Let’s remember that DeBoer is currently unemployed in the NHL after recently being fired by the Dallas Stars.

“Hockey Canada refuses to change the formula that led the country to victory during the Four Nations Face-Off, as the coaching group that led the winners will return for the Olympics next year.”

– QMI Agency

Jon Cooper (as head coach) will be joined by Bruce Cassidy, Peter DeBoer, and Rick Tocchet behind Team Canada’s bench.

And you – what’s your opinion on this decision?