Canadiens Martin St. Louis Playing A Key Role In 2022 NHL Draft Process

Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis is getting involved in the selection process for the 2022 NHL Draft.

On a segment with TSN 690, analyst and former NHL defenceman Aaron Ward spoke at length about the impact of Martin St. Louis in the Canadiens dressing room and the upcoming 2022 NHL Draft. Ward echoed the sentiments of some of the top prospects in the upcoming draft, who all came away very impressed with St. Louis’ vision for the club and his long-term goals with the team.

“I’ve talked to three separate guys who spoke to me about how brilliant Marty St. Louis is,” said Ward during his segment. “When the young guys meet him, they’re impacted. I know that draft-eligible players have talked to St. Louis. One of the kids came out and said: ‘ the guy is utterly amazing.’ Why? Because he’s a forward thinker. He’s not just an Xs and Os, but a psychologically talented guy.”

While interviewing with TSN’s Mark Masters, Wright spoke about Bob McKenzie‘s recent draft rankings, but also mentioned that he remained in contact with the Montreal Canadiens. He pointed to his recent conversations with St. Louis and how he came away impressed from his discussions.

“They’ve been great. Really positive conversations with them at the combine as well with my meeting with them and then diner with them,” said Wright on his relationship and talks with the members of the Montreal Canadiens. “I’ve also had phone calls with Marty St. Louis and Vinny Lecavalier as well. Just kind of talking over their organization, what they’re looking for in a player and what they expect out of their players. It’s been great so far.”

It’s interesting to note that the head coach and the special advisor to the general manager, who was himself a 1st overall pick, are keeping in contact with Wright and other prospects throughout the deliberation process. Both St. Louis and Lecavalier know how to properly onboard a first overall pick, as both were leaned upon to be mentors for Steven Stamkos when he was selected 1st overall in 2008. Especially in the case of Stamkos, who started off slowly and eventually took off en route to an incredible NHL career, it will require a player of strong will and character to go through those growing pains in Montreal.