I want to talk to you this week about the Martin St-Louis press conference that caused quite a stir ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Flyers in Philadelphia.

“That’s a question for Kent (Hughes),” he said twice when asked why he brought youngster Sean Farrell into the squad so quickly. Rebooted by another media representative who asked him if he was the one making “his lineup,” he responded with a look that said it all.

That was the killer question. In my opinion, this journalist has crossed the line. You can’t ask the boss if he makes the decisions. We saw in St-Louis’ eyes that he didn’t appreciate that remark. And I understand that very well. There really wasn’t any need to embarrass him like that. It was an insulting question. Besides, Martin had already offered an answer.

I don’t think this journalist would have had the courage to ask the same question to someone like John Tortorella, who is known for his hot temper in front of the press.

I stand behind Martin 100%. I think he reacted correctly. He did well not to go any further in his answer. I personally don’t know how I would have taken it if I had been in his place.

I was already there. I too have been asked such inappropriate questions in my coaching career. Nobody wants to look bad. So I occasionally took the time to meet with journalists one-on-one to give them my point of view and tell them why I thought they had crossed the line. These conversations have always remained private. Later they did what they wanted, but at least the matter was settled. Guys on the beat have also come up to me to apologize.

Don’t cross the line

Perhaps St-Louis and the director in question will talk about it again in the next few days with a clear head. It’s important to build a relationship of trust with the journalists who follow Canadians every day.

You have the right to express your opinion and to criticize the manager’s decisions, everyone understands that is part of the game, but there are limits that should not be crossed. I’m glad Martin put his on.

Although I’m now on the other side of the fence as an analyst, I still act like I’m a “coach”. I don’t make any criticisms, only suggestions, as was the case with my assistants. At the morning meeting, I always gave them the opportunity to give their opinion on the composition of the lines, the way of playing and the type of training that I would recommend. In the end I had the last word, but I wanted to hear everyone’s opinion first, which allowed me to keep certain ideas. I would say 99% of coaches work like that.

Unavoidable irritants

While St-Louis didn’t want to talk about Farrell, he didn’t have much choice. NHL rules require the coach to address the media prior to all games without exception. The subject would inevitably come up.

I know very well from experience that it is not easy to have to answer journalists’ questions every day. It doesn’t always excite you, I can attest to that!

It can happen to anyone not to have a good day. Playing three games in four nights with all the traveling certainly didn’t help either.

Overall I think Martin did a great job in front of the media. He explains his philosophy and that of the organization well. He is very good at speaking at press conferences. For that he deserves credit.

The trainer must constantly deal with irritants that are beyond his control. But to be a good soldier, you have to comply with the Director General’s demands.

The American Advantage

In my opinion, the plan regarding Farrell changed during the day. Martin would certainly have preferred to practice with his teammates before his first game, as Jordan Harris did last year. This is not a favorable context for the player either. It’s hard to be sent into battle alongside players you don’t know.

I had a similar experience when coaching the Canadians. I remember that in the spring of 2016 it was absolutely necessary to play goalkeeper Charlie Lindgren, who had just come out of the ranks of the American university. This is the only time in my career that I have received such an assignment. But unlike Farrell, he had previously trained with us.

Players coming out of the NCAA, like Lindgren and Farrell, are in a strong position. They burn up a year of contract even if they only play one game at the end of the season. This privilege was negotiated with management. They therefore have an advantage over Canadian League players.

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