Jim Montgomery Takes the Helm: A New Era for the St. Louis Blues
In a move that signifies a new chapter for the St. Louis Blues, Jim Montgomery has been appointed as the head coach, stepping in to reinvigorate a team that recently missed the playoffs. Montgomery, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, returns with a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience, most recently with the Boston Bruins.
Montgomery's journey to this position has been anything but conventional. He parted ways with the Bruins earlier this season, following a challenging stretch where the team lost 12 out of 20 games. Despite this rough patch, Montgomery's tenure with the Bruins was marked by remarkable success, including an impressive 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, which earned him the prestigious Coach of the Year award. His career points percentage stands at an impressive .659, showcasing his capability to lead and deliver results.
Montgomery's familiarity with the Blues' lineup is an undeniable asset. “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 shared, underscoring his confidence in the team's potential. This continuity could prove crucial as the Blues seek to close gaps and find consistency, addressing issues like their current goals-per-game average of 2.36 and their struggles in both power play and penalty kill, where they rank in the bottom third of the league.
Last season, the Blues saw former head coach Drew Bannister taking over from Craig Berube in December, only to end in disappointment by missing playoff contention. Bannister's team began the current season with a 9-12-1 record, a start that reinforced the urgency for a strategic reimagining under a new leadership style. The void left by Bannister presents Montgomery with both a challenge and an opportunity to galvanize a squad eager to realize its full potential.
The Blues’ management appears confident in Montgomery's ability to mold the team into postseason contenders. Doug Armstrong, the President and General Manager of the Blues, expressed strong belief in Montgomery, stating, “He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows.” Echoing this sentiment, the five-year coaching contract offered to Montgomery by Tom Stillman and the Blues' ownership group underscores a commitment to long-term strategic development. As Montgomery put it, “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's confidence in the Blues is grounded in strategic optimism rather than blind faith. He balances the realities of NHL competition with an eye towards the future. “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 noted. His strategic insights, combined with his personal connection to the organization, suggest a leader poised to bring transformative change.
In Montgomery, the Blues not only welcome a head coach with a winning pedigree but also a familiar face capable of navigating the intricate dynamics of the NHL with a blend of experience and fresh insight. He reflects on the fortuitous moments that have shaped his career, expressing a blend of gratitude and humility: “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 Blues look to the future, Montgomery's relationship-oriented leadership style and proven track record make him a pivotal figure in the franchise's pursuit of renewed glory. With a strategic realignment and a reinvigorated approach under Montgomery’s guidance, the St. Louis Blues are poised to embark on an exciting new era in their storied history.