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BREAKING NEWS: Former Montreal Canadians head coach Claude Julien now assistant head coach of St louis Blues sent a message montreal canadian head coach Martin St. Louis concerning…see more
In a stunning development that has reignited discussions across the NHL, former Montreal Canadiens head coach Claude Julien — now serving as the assistant head coach of the St. Louis Blues — has broken his silence to deliver a powerful message to current Canadiens bench boss Martin St. Louis. Julien, who led the Canadiens through several seasons of transition before being let go in 2021, offered words of advice, support, and quiet urgency to St. Louis as the Canadiens continue to navigate the turbulent waters of their rebuild.
After a brief hiatus from coaching following his time with Montreal and a stint coaching Team Canada at the Olympics, Claude Julien quietly re-entered the NHL coaching ranks this past offseason, joining the St. Louis Blues as assistant head coach under Drew Bannister. The hiring surprised many around the league, as Julien had previously been linked to potential head coaching opportunities. But insiders suggest Julien saw the Blues as a team on the brink of resurgence — and a place where his defensive acumen and leadership could make an impact.
“I’m just happy to be back in the trenches,” Julien said during training camp in St. Louis. “It’s not about titles. It’s about helping players develop and win games.”
Yet even in a new city and a new role, it’s clear Julien’s heart has not fully left Montreal.
JULIEN REACHES OUT TO ST. LOUIS: ‘TRUST YOUR HOCKEY INSTINCTS’
According to a report from TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, Julien recently reached out privately to Martin St. Louis, the Hall of Fame winger-turned-head coach who took over behind the Canadiens’ bench in 2022 with no prior professional coaching experience. The message, though personal, carried key themes that have since been confirmed by league sources.
Julien’s message was simple but powerful: “Don’t let the critics write your story. You’ve got the respect of the room — now trust your hockey instincts.”
Julien reportedly acknowledged the unique challenges of coaching in a market like Montreal, where media pressure and fan scrutiny are unlike anywhere else in hockey. But he also expressed confidence in St. Louis’ leadership style and his ability to connect with younger players.
“Martin has something special,” Julien said in a brief media comment. “He sees the game the way players today want to play it. I just wanted him to know — from someone who’s been through it — that his voice is enough.”
CANADIENS’ REBUILD REMAINS A WORK IN PROGRESS
The Canadiens’ 2024–25 campaign has gotten off to a bumpy start. The team continues to hover near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, struggling with inconsistency, injuries, and a roster still lacking elite offensive firepower. While there have been bright spots — including the emergence of defenseman Kaiden Guhle and strong play from goalie Samuel Montembeault — the Canadiens’ young core has yet to fully blossom.
In recent weeks, pressure has mounted on St. Louis, with some critics questioning whether the team’s lack of structure and defensive lapses reflect a lack of coaching experience. But players within the locker room have remained firmly behind their coach.
“He’s a guy who listens, who understands what we go through,” said forward Nick Suzuki. “And he challenges us. He believes in what we’re building.”
ST. LOUIS RESPONDS TO JULIEN’S MESSAGE
When asked about Julien’s message during a recent press conference, Martin St. Louis acknowledged the outreach with gratitude.
“I have a lot of respect for Claude,” St. Louis said. “We didn’t overlap much, but I know what he meant to this organization and to the game. To hear from someone with that kind of experience — it’s humbling. And yes, it means something.”
St. Louis also addressed the pressures of coaching a young team in a demanding market.
“We’re not chasing quick fixes,” he said. “We’re trying to build something sustainable. That takes patience — from us, from the players, and from the fans.”
A RELATIONSHIP ROOTED IN MONTREAL HISTORY
Claude Julien and Martin St. Louis may not have shared a coaching bench in Montreal, but their careers have intersected in unique ways over the years. Julien coached against St. Louis during his time behind the bench in Boston, often praising the winger’s intelligence and compete level. Now, years later, the former opponent has become a mentor of sorts — not through direct involvement, but through quiet encouragement.
“I know what he’s walking into every night in Montreal,” Julien said. “That media, that passion — it’s unmatched. But if anyone can handle it, it’s a guy like Marty who’s made a career out of proving people wrong.”
ST. LOUIS BLUES THRIVING UNDER NEW STRUCTURE
Meanwhile, in St. Louis, the Blues are seeing early returns from their retooled coaching staff. Drew Bannister, in his first full season as head coach, has leaned heavily on Julien for strategy and leadership. The team has shown marked improvement defensively, and veterans like Brayden Schenn and Colton Parayko have spoken highly of Julien’s presence in the locker room.
“He’s seen it all,” Schenn said. “Having a guy like that on the bench — it brings a calming effect. And he holds guys accountable.”
THE NHL COACHING FRATERNITY — A BOND THAT TRANSCENDS TEAMS
What’s perhaps most remarkable about Julien’s message to St. Louis is the example it sets for coaching relationships across the league. In a competitive environment where job security is fleeting and public criticism is fierce, coaches rarely find space to support one another so openly.
“It’s not always about competition,” Julien said. “Sometimes it’s just about helping the game grow — and helping people in it.”
That message has resonated with fans and analysts alike, especially in Montreal, where nostalgia for Julien’s tenure — marked by discipline, playoff appearances, and a deep love for the Canadiens’ tradition — still lingers.
LOOKING AHEAD: JULIEN’S HOMECOMING LOOMS
The Canadiens are scheduled to face the Blues in late November in what could be a highly emotional reunion for Claude Julien and the Bell Centre faithful. Though no official ceremony has been announced, rumors are swirling that the Canadiens plan to recognize Julien’s contributions during a pregame tribute.
“I don’t know if I deserve all that,” Julien said modestly. “But I do know that Montreal gave me a lot. And I’ll always be grateful.”
CONCLUSION: A MESSAGE THAT SPEAKS TO LEADERSHIP AND LEGACY
As Martin St. Louis continues to grow into his role as head coach of one of the NHL’s most storied franchises, the words of Claude Julien serve as both guidance and reassurance. In the high-stakes world of professional hockey, where results often overshadow process, it’s rare to see a former coach offer such public and sincere encouragement to his successor.
But Claude Julien has always been more than just a coach. He’s been a teacher, a builder, and — perhaps most importantly — a man who understands that legacy is not measured only in wins and losses, but in the ways we lift each other up