Jim Montgomery Returns to St. Louis: A New Era for the Blues Begins
After a tumultuous journey in the NHL coaching circuit, Jim Montgomery is making his highly anticipated return to the St. Louis Blues as head coach. Montgomery, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, is stepping into a pivotal role for a team looking to rebound after missing the playoffs last season.
Montgomery's hiring follows a challenging year under coach Drew Bannister, who took over after Craig Berube’s departure in December. Despite Bannister's efforts, the Blues ended the previous season outside the playoff picture, prompting management to seek a coach with the vision and expertise to steer the franchise back to its winning ways.
Under the leadership of President and General Manager Doug Armstrong, alongside the backing of Tom Stillman and the Blues' ownership group, the decision to bring Montgomery on board was strategic and timely. "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," Montgomery shared, reflecting on the opportunity to lead in St. Louis.
Montgomery's recent career with the Boston Bruins was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Despite a season marred by a 12-game losing streak out of 20, Montgomery's time with the Bruins was not without its triumphs. He led the team to a stellar 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, which earned him Coach of the Year honors. Yet, his tenure in Boston came to an untimely end, opening the door for his return to familiar territory with the Blues.
The Blues are entering the season with a 9-12-1 record and are currently struggling with offensive execution, averaging just 2.36 goals per game. Additionally, their power play and penalty kill both rank in the bottom third of the league. Montgomery's task will be to invigorate the team’s offense and elevate their special teams play, cultivating a competitive edge as they aim for postseason success.
Fortunately for Montgomery, familiarity breeds confidence. He has previously coached over half of the Blues' current lineup, a familiarity he believes will be advantageous. "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," Montgomery asserted. His relationship with the players could be the key to unlocking the potential within the team, steering them back to playoff contention.
Doug Armstrong expressed his belief in Montgomery's long-term potential with the team, stating, "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows." Montgomery himself views his new role as part of a long-term plan, emphasized by a five-year contract, showcasing the commitment from the Blues' ownership group. "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 during his introduction.
The NHL landscape is unforgiving, with half of all teams missing the playoffs each season. Montgomery acknowledges the challenge but remains optimistic about the path forward. "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 said confidently. His .659 career points percentage is a testament to his capabilities, illustrating his potential to guide the Blues toward achieving their playoff aspirations.
The stage is set for Jim Montgomery to usher in a new chapter for the Blues. With a familiar roster, the backing of committed leadership, and a personal resolve to elevate the team, Montgomery stands poised to reignite the spirit of a franchise eager for resurgence. As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how Montgomery's strategic acumen and established rapport with the players translate into success on the ice.