Montgomery Returns to St. Louis as Head Coach

Montgomery Returns to St. Louis as Head Coach

The St. Louis Blues have announced the appointment of Jim Montgomery as their new head coach, replacing Drew Bannister after an underwhelming performance last season. Montgomery, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, brings a wealth of experience and familiarity with the team's roster, having coached over half of the current lineup.

A Strategic Appointment

Montgomery’s hiring aligns with the Blues' ambitions to reestablish themselves as playoff contenders after missing the postseason under Bannister's leadership. The team, currently struggling with a 9-12-1 record, has faced challenges that Montgomery is eager to tackle head-on. "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 said, expressing his confidence in President and General Manager Doug Armstrong's vision for the team.

Doug Armstrong also voiced his support for Montgomery, praising his ability to nurture and lead the team through both immediate challenges and future growth. "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," Armstrong remarked, highlighting the mutual commitment between Montgomery and the Blues' leadership, including head of the ownership group, Tom Stillman.

Challenges Ahead

Under Bannister and former coach Craig Berube, the Blues began their current season with disappointments, averaging just 2.36 goals per game and ranking in the bottom third for both power play and penalty kill. As the team looks to turn the tide, Montgomery's previous accolade as Coach of the Year for the 2022-23 season with the Boston Bruins—during which he led them to a 65-win, 135-point campaign—speaks volumes about his capability to lead teams to success.

Despite his achievements with the Bruins, Montgomery's tenure there ended amid difficulties, including a losing streak of 12 out of 20 games. However, his career points percentage of .659 underscores a largely successful coaching career, one that the Blues hope will translate into renewed success. Reflecting on his experience and relationships with the players, Montgomery noted, "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."

Long-term Goals and Commitment

Montgomery's return is marked by a five-year deal, illustrating a long-term commitment from both him and the Blues' ownership. He highlighted the importance of relationships and the backing he received from Stillman and the ownership group, stating, "The five-year deal shows the commitment of Tom Stillman and the ownership group, that we are in this together." This collaboration underpins their goal of transforming the Blues into a playoff-caliber team.

As Montgomery steps back into a familiar setting, he remains optimistic yet realistic about the road ahead, acknowledging that "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." The path to success won't be without challenges, but the synergy between Montgomery's strategic approach and the Blues’ leadership aims to drive the team past their current playoff drought.

The Road Forward

The appointment of Jim Montgomery marks a significant turning point for the St. Louis Blues, as they aim to overcome their struggles and reclaim their status as competitive players in the NHL. With Montgomery's strategic prowess and familiarity with the team, alongside the robust support of Armstrong and Stillman, the Blues have laid the groundwork for a potentially transformative period.

As the team rebuilds, Montgomery's philosophy revolves around resilience and collaboration. Closing one memorable chapter with the Bruins, he’s poised to open a new one in St. Louis: "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," Montgomery reflected, indicating his readiness to lead the Blues toward a promising future.