In a strategic move to invigorate the St. Louis Blues franchise, Jim Montgomery has been appointed as the new head coach. Previously an assistant coach with the Blues from 2020 to 2022, Montgomery returns to familiar territory with a wealth of experience and a determination to guide the team back to playoff contention. The Blues missed the mark last season under coach Drew Bannister, who had taken over mid-season from Craig Berube.
The decision to bring Montgomery back into the fold comes on the heels of his tumultuous tenure with the Boston Bruins. Despite experiencing a challenging losing streak of 12 out of 20 games this season, Montgomery’s previous success with the Bruins is undeniable. He navigated the team to an impressive 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, earning him the NHL's Coach of the Year award. His career points percentage stands at a notable .659, offering a glimmer of hope to Blues fans eager for a return to form.
Reflecting on his appointment, Montgomery expressed his enthusiasm for rejoining the Blues. "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 shared. Montgomery clearly values the strong relationships he has forged in the league, evidenced by his remark, "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." This sentiment illustrates Montgomery’s dedication to becoming an integral part of the franchise's future.
The current state of the Blues, with a 9-12-1 record and challenges in both the power play and penalty kill, signals the need for a transformative approach. Averaging only 2.36 goals per game and ranking in the bottom third of the league for these special teams categories, the team has been struggling offensively and defensively. Montgomery’s familiarity with over half of the current Blues lineup from his previous coaching stint is expected to aid in a smoother transition as he implements his strategic vision. "I have worked with over half this lineup already, and I know how committed they are," Montgomery stated, adding that his decision to return was "a no-brainer" for him.
Blues President and General Manager Doug Armstrong has voiced his support for Montgomery, praising his ability to foster growth within the team. "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," Armstrong commented, highlighting the coach’s potential to nurture a team capable of emerging as strong playoff contenders. This endorsement underscores the organization's confidence in Montgomery’s leadership skills and tactical acumen.
Montgomery himself is under no illusions about the challenges that lie ahead. Acknowledging the competitive nature of the NHL, where half the teams miss the playoffs each year, he conveyed a realistic yet optimistic outlook. "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," Montgomery stated. His belief in the team’s capabilities reflects a focus on steady improvement and the long-term vision necessary for success.
The appointment of Montgomery marks a pivotal moment for the St. Louis Blues as they look to redirect the trajectory of their season. With the backing of the ownership group led by Tom Stillman and the strategic insights of Doug Armstrong, Montgomery is poised to harness the potential within the team. The franchise, steeped in a history of resilience, is banking on Montgomery’s ability to open new doors. As he philosophically put it, "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."
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Montgomery can steer the Blues back to prominence, injecting energy and championship-level intensity into their ranks. Blues fans can only hope that Montgomery's return not only revitalizes the team’s spirit but also reignites their winning ways. With the pieces in place and a leader who knows what it takes to succeed, the stage is set for a potentially transformative era in St. Louis hockey.