Canadian · Laval, Quebec · Born 18 June 1975Martin St. Louis overcame being undrafted to become an NHL MVP, scoring champion and Stanley Cup winner with the Tampa Bay Lightning, later entering the Hockey Hall of Fame and becoming an NHL head coach.
Martin St. Louis was born in Laval, Quebec in 1975. He went entirely undrafted — too small at 5ft 9in, scouts believed — and signed as an undrafted free agent. His career produced 391 goals and 642 assists for 1,033 points. He won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004, winning also the Hart Trophy as MVP, the Art Ross Trophy as scoring champion and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP — one of the most comprehensive individual award sweeps in a single season in NHL history. He won the Conn Smythe despite his team winning the Stanley Cup in seven games against the Calgary Flames — no small feat. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018. He won the Art Ross Trophy again in 2013. He became head coach of the Montreal Canadiens in 2022. His story — completely overlooked in the draft, achieving individual and team excellence through skill development and competitive drive — is one of hockey's great narratives about what hockey scouts miss.
Undersized Hall of Fame winger who won the Hart Trophy and a Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay Lightning
How They Played
St. Louis was known for his exceptional speed, agility, and hockey intelligence that allowed him to overcome his smaller physical stature. He possessed outstanding vision and playmaking ability, combined with a deadly accurate shot and excellent timing in offensive situations. His relentless work ethic and ability to find open ice made him one of the most effective power-play performers of his era.
Lasting Impact
St. Louis proved that smaller players could excel at the highest level of professional hockey, paving the way for future generations of skilled, undersized players. His success story from undrafted player to NHL superstar remains one of hockey's greatest examples of perseverance and determination.
Career Honours
- Hockey Hall of Fame (2018)
- Stanley Cup champion (2004)
- Hart Trophy (2004)
- 2x Art Ross Trophy
- 6x NHL All-Star
- 2x Lady Byng Trophy
| Team | Period | GP | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary Flames | 1998–2000 | 69 | 4 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 2000–2014 | 972 | 365 |
| New York Rangers | 2014–2015 | 74 | 11 |
 Canada | — | 97 | 33 |
Canadian Athletes