Age is just a number to Martin St. Louis

Harry Hawkings | USA TODAY Sports

Hockey is a younger man's game.

After all, last season's winners of the Hart Trophy, Norris Trophy, Vezina Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy were younger than 28.

Just don't tell that to Tampa Bay Lightning winger Martin St. Louis, who, at 38, will be defending his title as NHL scoring champion.

He became the oldest winner of the Art Ross Trophy last season by posting 17 goals and 60 points in 48 games. The Laval, Quebec, native is at the top of his game offensively and credits his fitness as a chief reason he has been able to remain so productive.

"I owe a lot to my trainer in Connecticut," St. Louis told USA TODAY Sports. "We've had an eight-year relationship, so I'm strong and he's able to push me."

St. Louis' award-winning 2012-13 season occurred after the second lockout of his career, including the lost 2004-05 season. He had to be prepared for a season that could start at the drop of a hat.

"The most frustrating thing is that I've lost about 120 games to lockouts," he said. "You really have to stay on top of yourself when you're going through a lockout. We had good guys (on the Lightning staying prepared), but it's hard because it (the season) could start at any moment."Winning the scoring title wasn't the first time St. Louis had taken the league by surprise. He has made a career out of defying the odds.

The 5-8, 180-pound winger was undrafted out of the University of Vermont before signing with the Calgary Flames as a free agent in 1998. After joining the Lightning as a free agent in 2000, he blossomed into the star he is today, winning a scoring title, an MVP award and a Stanley Cup in 2003-04.

More recently, St. Louis has had a front-row seat to the development of Steven Stamkos, the 2008 No. 1 overall pick who has become one of the premier players in the league.

The two have been linemates for much of the last four seasons, and St. Louis credits Stamkos for helping him stay at the top of his offensive game.

"You could say he (Stamkos) helps me stay young," St. Louis said with a laugh. "I think we both have great speed; we can keep up with each other.

"His strength is shooting — he's got that great release — and mine is kind of holding the puck and finding him and passing. I just think we push and complement each other well."

This upcoming season is a big one for the Lightning, but St. Louis in particular.

This will be the first full season under coach Jon Cooper, who was one of the hottest coaching prospects in hockey when general manager Steve Yzerman fired Guy Boucher in March.

The Lightning have added center Valtteri Filppula and are looking to make noise in the revamped Atlantic Division after failing to make the playoffs the last two seasons.

And for St. Louis, making the 2014 Canadian Olympic team in Sochi in February has been a driving force since he was left off the 2010 team that won a gold medal in Vancouver.

"It was disappointing, for sure, but it's been a great motivation to keep me on top of my game," St. Louis said. "This upcoming Olympics really feels like it's a long time coming."

For a player who has made a career out of doing the improbable, making the Olympic team at 38 would be another in a long list of accomplishments.