Jim Montgomery Returns to St. Louis as Head Coach
The St. Louis Blues have once again turned to a familiar face to navigate their ship, announcing the hiring of Jim Montgomery as their new head coach. Montgomery, a seasoned bench boss with a rich history within the organization, steps into the role that Drew Bannister vacated following a disappointing season failing to reach the playoffs. Bannister assumed coaching responsibilities after taking over from Craig Berube in December but couldn’t steer the team to postseason contention.
Montgomery previously served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022 before making his departure to lead the pack in Boston. Despite his tenure with the Bruins being cut short amid a challenging stretch—losing 12 of his last 20 games—his prior achievements are difficult to overlook. Montgomery oversaw a franchise-shattering season in 2022-23 with the Bruins, boasting a 65-win and 135-point record, earning him the title of Coach of the Year. Such accomplishments solidified his reputation in the league despite eventual dismissal, which can often be a stern but necessary reset for experienced coaches.
The Blues organization, under the watchful guidance of President and General Manager Doug Armstrong, sees Montgomery as a dynamic fit capable of fostering growth on a team with existing potential. “He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows,” Armstrong affirmed, expressing confidence in Montgomery’s leadership qualities.
Turning Potential into Realized Success
Returning to St. Louis offers Montgomery an opportunity to leverage relationships he’s cultivated within the team. Over half of the current Blues lineup have played under Montgomery and are well-acquainted with his coaching style. It’s familiar ground that Montgomery cites as being a compelling factor in his decision to return. “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,” said Montgomery, reflecting specific optimism about his new tenure.
The St. Louis squad, however, shows room for improvement. Their current average of 2.36 goals per game places them at a disadvantage compared to league powerhouses. Both their power play and penalty kill rank in the bottom third, indicating substantial areas for improvement. Montgomery’s focus will undoubtedly be directed at ameliorating these critical metrics, revitalizing the Blues’ offensive and defensive prowess.
Montgomery’s career points percentage of .659 is a testament to his overall effectiveness behind the bench. While challenges lie ahead, especially in a league where half the teams are left outside the playoff window annually, Montgomery’s optimism remains undeterred. "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 remarked, highlighting his faith in the team’s potential to surge back into relevance.
Vision and Commitment
The commitment from the Blues' leadership to Montgomery is underscored by a five-year deal, signifying a long-term investment designed to restore the franchise’s winning culture. Montgomery noted, "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." Such stability can prove essential in aligning the team’s vision and facilitating the steady progression required to cultivate a perennial contender.
Montgomery’s homecoming to St. Louis isn’t just another coaching move on the NHL carousel. It is a partnership re-affirmed through shared history and future aspirations. Telefonically convinced by Armstrong's strategic roadmap, Montgomery feels positioned aptly to drive change. "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 concluded, embracing the journey ahead with palpable enthusiasm.
As the Blues inch forward with a 9-12-1 record onset for the current season, fans and the franchise alike look to Jim Montgomery to forge a new era of competitive hockey in St. Louis, reconnecting previous promises with current prospects under the iconic notes of "When the Saints Go Marching In." His appointment isn't just viewed as a return but a revival, carrying with it expectations of a resolute playoff drive in an increasingly competitive NHL landscape.