As the winds of change sweep across the NHL, the St. Louis Blues have announced a significant shift in their coaching leadership. Jim Montgomery, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, has returned to the organization. This time, he takes the helm as head coach, replacing Drew Bannister, who took over mid-season from Craig Berube last year. The Blues are hoping Montgomery can energize a team that missed the playoffs under Bannister’s guidance.
Montgomery’s Return to Familiar Territory
Montgomery steps into his new role carrying a wealth of experience and a proven track record. Despite a rocky end during his latest stint with the Boston Bruins, where he was dismissed following a tumultuous stretch of 12 losses in 20 games, his broader resume shines brightly. Notably, Montgomery orchestrated a remarkable 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23 with the Bruins, an achievement that earned him the NHL's Coach of the Year honors. This accolade speaks volumes about his capability to lead a team to success.
The decision to return to St. Louis was not made lightly by Montgomery. "When you get a phone call and you hear Doug Armstrong's plan and how you're a big part of it, that makes you feel it is the right place to go," he said. Montgomery's familiarity with the Blues organization and many of its current players – over half the roster to be precise – likely influenced his decision. "I have worked with over half this lineup already, and I know how committed they are. For me, this was a no-brainer for me to come back home." His words imply a sense of unfinished business, and both he and the team are eager to write the next chapter together.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
As Montgomery takes over, he faces numerous challenges. The team is currently averaging a meager 2.36 goals per game and languishes in the bottom third for both power play and penalty kill efficiency. This statistic is a glaring indicator of the obstacles Montgomery must overcome to build a more competitive squad.
Doug Armstrong, President and General Manager of the Blues, expressed his confidence in Montgomery's ability to turn things around. "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," Armstrong stated, emphasizing a long-term vision. This faith in Montgomery is further underscored by the backing of Blues' ownership, led by Tom Stillman. The commitment to Montgomery was cemented with a five-year contract, which Montgomery described as a testament to the mutual dedication to a shared goal. "It's about your relationships in life. ... The five-year deal shows the commitment of Tom Stillman and the ownership group, that we are in this together," he noted.
A Vision for the Future
Despite the current setbacks, Montgomery sees potential within the team's ranks. "It's not easy to make the playoffs in this league. Half the teams miss it. But I do think that in time this is a caliber playoff team," he explained. This optimism is set against a backdrop of realistic expectations; making the playoffs in the NHL is notoriously challenging as only half the teams earn a spot each season. Yet Montgomery believes in the capacity of his players and the unity within the organization to rise to the occasion.
Montgomery's first test comes quickly as he looks to improve upon a 9-12-1 start to the season. Balancing immediate improvements with a strategic long-term vision will be key to his success. The stakes are high, but Montgomery’s history suggests he thrives under pressure.
In his characteristic reflective manner, Montgomery shared, "The best line that put his hooks into me is, 'When you do the right thing, another door opens.' I guess I was a T-bone that day." By returning to St. Louis, Montgomery enters through a door where both expectations and possibilities await. Blues fans are hopeful that this renewed partnership can chart a path back to prominence in the NHL.