Jim Montgomery Returns to St. Louis as Head Coach
The St. Louis Blues have ushered in a new era by appointing Jim Montgomery as their head coach, a move celebrated by both the team's management and Montgomery himself. Montgomery, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020-2022, takes the helm after Drew Bannister's tenure, during which the team missed the playoffs. Bannister had stepped up mid-season following Craig Berube's departure, but the team struggled to find form, culminating in a disappointing 9-12-1 start this season.
Montgomery's return to St. Louis is more than just a professional shift; it's a homecoming and a chance to steer a franchise with which he has deep ties. "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, affirming his commitment to the team and its future. His familiarity with over half of the current roster promises a smoother transition and potentially quicker turnarounds in performance, something the Blues sorely need given their recent ranking in the bottom third for both power play and penalty kill efficiencies.
Montgomery’s Resilient Journey
Before returning to the Blues, Montgomery had a brief but tumultuous stint with the Boston Bruins. Despite being dismissed after a challenging 20-game stretch this season, which saw the team lose 12 games, his tenure also included remarkable highs. The Bruins recorded a 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, earning Montgomery the Coach of the Year accolade. His .659 career points percentage speaks volumes about his capabilities and resilience as a coach.
The league is competitive, with half of the NHL teams missing out on the playoffs each year. Montgomery understands this well, emphasizing the challenge and expressing optimism: "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."
A Promising Partnership
Doug Armstrong, the President and General Manager of the St. Louis Blues, echoed this optimism. "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," Armstrong said, reinforcing the trust and expectations placed on Montgomery. This sentiment is further strengthened by the five-year deal extended to Montgomery, underscoring the commitment from Tom Stillman and the ownership group. "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 remarked, highlighting the mutual stakes involved.
Montgomery's insight into the team dynamic is poised to foster strong internal relationships and reenergize the Blues. His familiarity with the team's needs and culture is seen as a pivotal advantage. "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," he explained, suggesting an intrinsic motivation driven by his connection to the team.
Future Prospects
The Blues, currently averaging 2.36 goals per game, have clear areas for improvement. While Montgomery's task will be challenging, his proven track record of elevating team performance provides hope for a turnaround. He stands at the crossroads of opportunity and necessity, tasked with restoring the Blues to playoff contention and potentially beyond.
For Montgomery, every new chapter seems to hinge on resilience and embracing fresh starts. "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," he reflected. This philosophical outlook may serve him well as he embarks on this pivotal role with the Blues, looking to harness the team's potential and steer them towards success.
Jim Montgomery's appointment marks not just a renewed strategy for the St. Louis Blues, but a profound reconnection with a coach who understands both the game and the essence of this team. His ability to cultivate strong relationships and leverage his past experiences will be instrumental in integrating his vision with the Blues' ambition to revitalize their NHL presence.