Martin St-Louis officially became the 32nd head coach in franchise history in June 2022. The Laval native was named interim head coach on February 9, 2022, taking over from Dominique Ducharme. Under his leadership, the Canadiens posted a 14-19-4 record to close out the 2021-22 campaign.

Before coaching, St-Louis experienced a stellar playing career, collecting 1,033 points (391 goals, 642 assists) in 1,134 regular season games with the Calgary Flames, Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers. He added 90 points (42 goals, 48 assists) in 107 playoff games and won the Stanley Cup with the Lightning in 2004. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018, he won the Hart Trophy in 2004, the Art Ross trophy in 2004 and 2014, and was awarded the Lady Byng trophy in 2010, 2011 and 2013.