Jim Montgomery Takes the Helm as St. Louis Blues Head Coach
Jim Montgomery Takes the Helm as St. Louis Blues Head Coach
In a move that recalibrates the trajectory of the St. Louis Blues, Jim Montgomery has been appointed as the head coach. Known for his coaching acumen and ability to foster a winning culture, Montgomery takes over a Blues team coming off a disappointing season. The team failed to make the playoffs under Drew Bannister, who had replaced Craig Berube mid-season. This shift in leadership signals a new chapter for the club.
Jim Montgomery is no stranger to the St. Louis Blues. From 2020 to 2022, he served as an assistant coach for the team, making him familiar with both the organization and a majority of the current lineup. "I have worked with over half this lineup already, and I know how committed they are," Montgomery expressed. "For me, this was a no-brainer for me to come back home."
Montgomery’s storied past includes a significant stint with the Boston Bruins. There, he not only faced the trials of a mid-season dismissal but also experienced the pinnacle of success. Under his watch, the Bruins achieved a remarkable 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, earning him the prestigious Coach of the Year award. However, the current season did not unfold as hoped, resulting in challenges like a 12-of-20 game losing streak which prompted his departure.
A New Vision for the Blues
As the Blues embark on this new journey, they aim to improve upon a disappointing start to the current season, marked by a 9-12-1 record. The team averages a meager 2.36 goals per game and resides in the league's bottom third for both power play and penalty kill—two crucial areas that Montgomery will need to address. Despite these challenges, the organization, led by President and General Manager Doug Armstrong, demonstrates clear faith in Montgomery's ability to bring success. Armstrong believes in Montgomery’s long-term potential, asserting, "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows."
The support from Tom Stillman and the Blues' ownership group further cements the trust placed in Montgomery's vision. "The five-year deal shows the commitment of Tom Stillman and the ownership group, that we are in this together," Montgomery noted. The decision reflects a strategic investment in the team’s future, aiming to cultivate not only immediate improvements but also sustained success.
The Road Ahead
One of Montgomery’s key challenges will be leveraging his previous experience with much of the Blues' lineup to foster a cohesive and competitive unit. His familiarity with the team and the culture at St. Louis will be vital tools as he implements his game plan and strategies. "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 stated, emphasizing his commitment to Armstrong's vision.
Montgomery understands the inherent challenges of the NHL, where even capable teams can miss the playoffs due to the league's competitive nature. He reflected on this reality, explaining, "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."
While the task ahead is formidable, Montgomery brings a .659 career points percentage, underscoring his capability as a top-tier coach. His return to the Blues not only promises potential rejuvenation for the team but also illustrates the ongoing dedication to building a contender in the fiercely competitive NHL.
Jim Montgomery’s return to St. Louis is more than just a coaching change; it's a strategic pivot meant to realign the team with its competitive aspirations. As he steps into this leadership role, Montgomery is prepared to face the challenges head-on, with a clear directive and unwavering commitment to bring out the best in the Blues.
