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Jacques Martin (ice hockey)

Jacques Martin is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player, best known for his long career in the National Hockey League (NHL).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jacques Martin is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player, best known for his long career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He coached several NHL teams, including the St. Louis Blues, Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, and Montreal Canadiens, and served in senior coaching roles with the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers.

Early life and playing career

Jacques Martin was born in Saint-Pascal, Ontario, and played college hockey at St. Lawrence University as a goaltender. Before reaching the NHL, he coached in the Ontario Hockey League, including with Peterborough and Guelph.

NHL coaching career

Martin became an NHL head coach with the St. Louis Blues in 1986 and later coached the Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, and Montreal Canadiens. He also worked as an assistant coach with the Chicago Blackhawks, Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New York Rangers. He helped the Pittsburgh Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017 as an assistant coach.

Ottawa Senators legacy

Martin is closely associated with the Ottawa Senators, where he became the franchise’s all-time leader in coaching games, wins, and playoff wins. He returned to the organization in 2023 as senior advisor and later served as interim head coach. He was the first coach inducted into the Ottawa Senators Ring of Honour.

Honours and recognition

Martin received the Jack Adams Award in 1999 as NHL coach of the year. He was later named to the Ottawa Senators Ring of Honour, recognising his career and reputation as a teacher of the game.

Key facts

  • Martin was born in Ontario and built his coaching career in Canadian and NHL hockey.
  • He coached the Ottawa Senators in two separate stints, including an interim return in 2023–24.
  • He was the first coach inducted into the Ottawa Senators Ring of Honour.
  • He won the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year in 1999.
  • Martin helped the Pittsburgh Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017 as an assistant coach.
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Canadian context

Martin is a Canadian-born coach from Ontario whose career has been closely tied to Canadian hockey, especially the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens.[2][5][7]

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jacques Martin in ice hockey?
He is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former player known for a long NHL coaching career, especially with the Ottawa Senators.
Which NHL teams did Jacques Martin coach?
He coached the St. Louis Blues, Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, and Montreal Canadiens as a head coach.
Did Jacques Martin work with the Ottawa Senators recently?
Yes. He returned in 2023 as senior advisor to the coaching staff and later became interim head coach after D.J. Smith was fired.
What is Jacques Martin best known for?
He is best known for his NHL coaching career and for becoming the Ottawa Senators' all-time leader in coaching wins and games.
Has Jacques Martin won major awards?
Yes. He won the Jack Adams Award in 1999 as NHL coach of the year.
What is his connection to Canada?
He is Canadian, born in Ontario, and much of his career has been tied to Canadian hockey organizations.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Martin_(ice_hockey)
    Supports: Recent Ottawa Senators role and 2023–24 interim head coach details.
  2. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Martin_(hockey_sur_glace)
    Supports: Nationality, birthplace, and coaching history.
  3. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/jacques-martin-grateful-to-join-senators-ring-of-honour
    Supports: Ottawa Senators Ring of Honour, all-time coaching records, and 2023 return.
  4. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/jacques-martin-a-great-teacher-of-the-game
    Supports: Senators coaching record, tenure, and Ring of Honour context.
  5. Jacques Martin Hockey — https://www.jacquesmartinhockey.com/staff/jacques-martin/
    Supports: Birthplace, coaching résumé, OHL background, Olympic roles, and award history.
  6. Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/322/jacques-martin
    Supports: Date and place of birth, nationality, and current advisory role.