Martin's NHL coaching career began in 1986 when he joined the St. Louis Blues as an assistant coach. His tenure with the Blues marked the start of a long and varied coaching career. In 1988, he took on the role of head coach for the Blues, a position he held for two seasons. Although his time as head coach in St. Louis was relatively brief, it provided him with valuable experience and exposure in the league.
In 1993, Martin joined the Quebec Nordiques as an assistant coach. His time with the Nordiques was short-lived, as the team relocated to Colorado and became the Avalanche in 1995. Martin then moved to the Ottawa Senators, where he would spend a significant portion of his career. Joining the Senators in 1996 as head coach, he played a crucial role in transforming the team into a competitive force in the NHL.
Under Martin's guidance, the Senators made the playoffs for eight consecutive seasons from 1997 to 2004. His coaching style emphasized strong defensive play and discipline, which helped the team achieve consistent success during the regular season. In 1999, Martin was awarded the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's Coach of the Year, a testament to his ability to lead and develop a winning team.
Despite regular-season success, the Senators often struggled in the playoffs, failing to advance past the Eastern Conference Finals during Martin's tenure. In 2004, following a first-round playoff exit, Martin was relieved of his duties as head coach. However, his reputation as a knowledgeable and effective coach ensured that he would not be out of work for long.
Martin soon joined the Florida Panthers as their head coach and general manager in 2004. His dual role with the Panthers was challenging, as the team was in a rebuilding phase. While the Panthers showed some improvement under his leadership, they were unable to secure a playoff berth during his time there. In 2008, Martin was relieved of his coaching duties but remained with the organization as general manager for another year.
In 2009, Martin returned to his home province of Quebec to become the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens. His first season with the Canadiens was marked by a surprising playoff run, as the team reached the Eastern Conference Finals, defeating the top-seeded Washington Capitals and the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins along the way. The Canadiens' playoff success was largely attributed to their disciplined play and strong defensive systems, hallmarks of Martin's coaching philosophy.
Martin continued to coach the Canadiens until 2011, when he was dismissed midway through the season. Despite his departure, his influence on the team was evident, particularly in the development of young players and the emphasis on structured play.
After leaving the Canadiens, Martin took on various roles within the NHL, including serving as an assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins. His experience and tactical acumen were valuable assets to the Penguins, contributing to their success in the following years.
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