In a significant move aimed at reigniting the fortunes of the St. Louis Blues, Jim Montgomery has been appointed as the head coach of the franchise. His hiring comes on the heels of a turbulent period for both the Blues and Montgomery, with the organization looking for stability and success after missing the playoffs under former coach Drew Bannister. Bannister had taken over mid-season after Craig Berube's departure, but the team could only manage a 9-12-1 record in the early stages of the current campaign.
Montgomery's Journey
Jim Montgomery's coaching journey has been a roller-coaster, highlighting both triumphs and challenges. Previously an assistant coach for the St. Louis Blues from 2020-22, Montgomery returns to familiar territory. However, his path back to St. Louis is lined with personal and professional upheavals. He was recently dismissed from the Boston Bruins following a losing streak where the team dropped 12 of 20 games this season. Despite this setback, Montgomery’s tenure with the Bruins had remarkable highlights, including a 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, which earned him the accolade of Coach of the Year for that season.
A Fresh Start with Familiar Faces
Montgomery's appointment is not just about a new beginning for him; it represents a homecoming of sorts. “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,” he expresses with optimism. The existing familiarity with the team roster could be beneficial, potentially easing the transition and fostering an immediate rapport with the players.
Challenges Ahead for the Blues
The Blues face significant challenges in improving their performance. Currently averaging 2.36 goals per game and struggling in both power play and penalty kill rankings, the team finds itself in the bottom third of these critical categories. Doug Armstrong, the President and General Manager of the Blues, believes in Montgomery's potential to lead the team towards contention. "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," Armstrong states, reflecting confidence in the new strategic direction.
While half of the NHL teams traditionally miss the playoffs each season, Montgomery remains hopeful about the Blues' prospects. "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 asserts, underlining a faith in the long-term capabilities of the roster.
A United Vision for the Future
The support from the upper echelons of the Blues’ management is evident. Montgomery notes the backing he has received from both Doug Armstrong and Tom Stillman, the head of the Blues' ownership group. "The five-year deal shows the commitment of Tom Stillman and the ownership group, that we are in this together," Montgomery acknowledges, emphasizing a unified vision for the future. His reflective and philosophical approach resonates through his words, “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.”
For Montgomery, the allure of returning to the Blues wasn’t just professional but also deeply personal. "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 remarks, suggesting a synergy in ambitions between him and the organization.
As Montgomery steps into his new role, both his personal resolve and his professional acumen will be under scrutiny. His career points percentage of .659 speaks to his proven track record, yet the next chapter with the St. Louis Blues will be crucial not just for his legacy, but for the immediate fortunes of the team. A blend of experience, familiarity with the players, and strategic ingenuity will be essential if the Blues are to reclaim their status as playoff contenders. As the new head coach embarks on this journey, the NHL arena will be watching keenly, eager to see this union unfold and deliver on its potential.