François St-Laurent, born on June 26, 1977, is a highly skilled Canadian ice hockey referee currently officiating in the National Hockey League (NHL). With aspirations set during a summer camp in 1999, St-Laurent aimed to reach the NHL. His exceptional talent earned him recognition as a Level VI referee in the Hockey Canada Officiating Program in November 2001. Commencing his full-time NHL career in the 2009–10 season with uniform number 38, inherited from the American Hockey League (AHL), he later transitioned to uniform number 8 in the 2019–20 NHL season.
St-Laurent's officiating journey began at the age of fifteen, working championships like the Coupe Dodge in 1998 and 1999 and the 2000 Air Canada Cup in Montreal, Quebec. He initially served as a linesman when he joined the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in 1999, before transitioning into a referee for the 2000-2001 season. His notable highlights include working the President's Cup finals in 2002 and 2003 and officiating the 2002 Memorial Cup. Moving to the American Hockey League (AHL), St-Laurent served as a linesman for the 1999–00 AHL season before becoming an NHL referee. During his AHL tenure, he worked in the Calder Cup finals in 2008 and 2009 and participated in the AHL All-Star Classic in 2009.
François St-Laurent Salary
Specific salary information for individual NHL referees, including François St-Laurent, is not publicly disclosed due to confidentiality agreements between the NHL Officials Association (NHLOA) and the NHL. However, NHL referees, especially those with significant experience, can earn competitive salaries, with some top officials reportedly making upwards of $400,000 per year. Considering François St-Laurent's extensive officiating career, including his participation in Stanley Cup playoffs and notable games, his salary is likely within the upper range for experienced NHL referees, potentially exceeding $400,000 per year.
François St-Laurent’s NHL Journey
Hired by the NHL in the fall of 2003, St-Laurent encountered initial challenges due to the 2004–05 NHL lockout. Despite bouncing between the NHL and AHL, he secured a full-time spot on the NHL officiating roster at the start of the 2009–10 season. His first game as a full-time official occurred on October 2, 2009, in a matchup between the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins. St-Laurent's impressive career extends to the Stanley Cup playoffs, where he has been a consistent presence since 2010. With notable on-ice assignments and appearances in the second and third rounds, he has left his mark on the postseason. Among his remarkable achievements, St-Laurent officiated the 2020 NHL All-Star Game and contributed to the Skills competition. His involvement in outdoor games, including the 2015 NHL Winter Classic and the 2016 Heritage Classic, reflects his diverse and impactful career in NHL officiating.
FAQ's On François St-Laurent Salary
A. St-Laurent began at 15, joined QMJHL, transitioned to AHL, then NHL in 2003. Notable AHL achievements include the Calder Cup finals and All-Star Classic.
A. He became full-time in 2009, with the first game on October 2, 2009. His career extends to consistent Stanley Cup playoff appearances, second and third-round assignments, and officiating the 2020 NHL All-Star Game.
A. St-Laurent officiated in the 2015 NHL Winter Classic, the 2016 Heritage Classic, and the 2020 NHL All-Star Game, including the Skills competition.
A. Starting with number 38 in 2009, inherited from the AHL, he changed to number 8 in the 2019–20 NHL season.
A. Specific salary details for NHL referees, including François St-Laurent, are confidential. However, experienced NHL referees can earn competitive salaries, potentially exceeding $400,000 per year.
