Jim Montgomery Returns to St. Louis: A New Era for the Blues
In a significant move for the NHL's St. Louis Blues, Jim Montgomery is stepping in as head coach, ushering in what the team hopes is a new era of success. Having previously served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, Montgomery's return to the team has been met with optimism, driven by his impressive track record and familiarity with the current lineup.
Montgomery's tenure with the Boston Bruins was marked by both highs and lows. Although he experienced a challenging 12-out-of-20-game losing streak this season, his leadership skills shone through during the Bruins’ remarkable 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, a performance that earned him the prestigious Coach of the Year award. "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," said Montgomery, reflecting on his decision to join the Blues as he acknowledged the influential role of Doug Armstrong, the Blues’ President and General Manager.
The appointment comes on the heels of a disappointing season under coach Drew Bannister, during which the Blues failed to make the playoffs. Bannister had taken over midway through the season, replacing Craig Berube, but a 9-12-1 record dashed the team's postseason hopes. Montgomery's hiring signals a strategic shift for the Blues, as Armstrong and the ownership seek to reinvigorate the franchise.
The Blues' struggles in offensive production and special teams have been evident, averaging just 2.36 goals per game while ranking in the bottom third for both power play and penalty kill effectiveness. Montgomery, however, brings a wealth of experience and is familiar with over half of the Blues' current lineup, an advantage that could expedite improvements. He expressed confidence in the team's potential, stating, "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."
Commitment to Growth
Montgomery's return to St. Louis is more than just a professional decision; it's a personal one as well. He described the move as a "no-brainer," thanks to existing relationships within the organization and his confidence in the team's commitment to improvement. "For me, this was a no-brainer to come back home," Montgomery noted. The five-year deal he signed underscores the commitment of the Blues’ ownership, led by Tom Stillman, to support this new chapter for the team. "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," Montgomery emphasized.
Doug Armstrong echoed Montgomery's positive sentiment, expressing his belief that Montgomery is the right fit for the team as it stands and as it evolves. "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," Armstrong stated. This vote of confidence reflects Armstrong's vision for the Blues and his hope that Montgomery's leadership will translate into greater success on the ice.
Montgomery also shared a personal mantra that has guided his professional journey: "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." With his track record, Montgomery hopes to open doors for the Blues, leading them back to playoff contention and, potentially, championship glory.
As the new season unfolds, expectations are high for Montgomery and the Blues. With a .659 career points percentage, Montgomery has demonstrated his capability to steer teams toward winning paths. His strategic acumen and ability to foster strong relationships may well provide the spark that the Blues need to rise from last season’s setbacks.
All eyes will be on the Blues to see how they adapt under Montgomery's guidance, as fans eagerly await signs of transformation in the team’s performance and on-ice chemistry. The Blues' resilience and Montgomery's seasoned leadership could very well chart a path to newfound success for this storied franchise.