Montgomery Returns to St. Louis: A Commitment to the Future
The St. Louis Blues have sparked significant excitement in the hockey world with the announcement of Jim Montgomery as their new head coach. This move echoes the Blues’ ambition to reverse their fortunes following a disappointing season that saw them miss the playoffs. Montgomery, who most recently served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020-22, is making a notable return to the organization's leadership role.
Montgomery’s appointment comes on the heels of an underwhelming season under the guidance of Drew Bannister, who had taken over from Craig Berube last December. Despite their commitment on the ice, the Blues ended up outside the playoff picture, an unwelcome result for a team with such storied history. Bannister's tenure witnessed the team struggling to maintain form, ending the latest season with a 9-12-1 record and a need for renewed direction. The strategic leadership of Jim Montgomery promises just that.
Montgomery’s coaching resume includes a noteworthy stint with the Boston Bruins, despite a recent dismissal after a period of turbulence wherein the team lost 12 out of 20 games. However, it’s important to remember Montgomery’s significant achievements with the Bruins, including an extraordinary 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23 that earned him the NHL's 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," Montgomery remarked, reflecting on the allure of returning to the Blues.
One of the factors that make Montgomery an attractive choice for the Blues is his familiarity with the team. He has coached over half of the current Blues lineup, extending a foundation of trust and shared experience. "For me, this was a no-brainer to come back home," Montgomery emphasized. His established relationships within the team are expected to help ease his transition into the head coach position and foster a cohesive team dynamic.
Blues President and General Manager Doug Armstrong revealed unwavering confidence in Montgomery’s ability to lead, stating, "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows.” Montgomery's new role is underscored by a five-year deal, showcasing a long-term commitment from Tom Stillman and the Blues’ ownership group. “The five-year deal shows the commitment... that we are in this together,” Montgomery asserted, sounding optimistic about the path forward for the team and himself.
The expectations are set high for Montgomery as the St. Louis Blues strive for playoff contention in a league where making the postseason is no easy feat—half the teams miss it every year. Currently, the team finds itself grappling with challenges, particularly in their power play and penalty kill, while managing an average of 2.36 goals per game. "It's not easy to make the playoffs in this league... But I do think that in time this is a caliber playoff team," Montgomery conveyed with resilience, confident in the potential the team holds under his watch.
With a career points percentage of .659, Montgomery brings not just high-level coaching acumen but also a winning mentality that could prove pivotal in transforming the Blues' current standing. He embodies a philosophy of seizing opportunity and channeling challenges into growth. As Montgomery ventured, “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 a clear vision and a supportive relationship with the ownership, Jim Montgomery's leadership marks a new chapter for the St. Louis Blues. The hope is palpable; the blueprint is ambitious. Now, as Montgomery steps onto familiar yet demanding ice, the Blues, bolstered by tried-and-tested leadership, look to redefine their success in the seasons to come.