Jim Montgomery Returns to St. Louis as New Head Coach
In a bold move designed to invigorate their hockey franchise, the St. Louis Blues have appointed Jim Montgomery as their new head coach. Montgomery, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, takes over a team eager to turn the page after missing the playoffs last season under Drew Bannister's leadership. The Blues President and General Manager, Doug Armstrong, expressed confidence in Montgomery, stating, "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows."
Montgomery's Journey: From Boston to St. Louis
Jim Montgomery's path back to St. Louis comes after a turbulent stint with the Boston Bruins. During his time with the Bruins, Montgomery experienced both highs and lows. He led the team to an impressive 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, an achievement that earned him the Coach of the Year honor. However, his tenure was marred by a difficult spell leading to his dismissal following a 12-loss streak in 20 games this season. Reflecting on the transition, Montgomery acknowledged the emotional impact of his conversations with Doug Armstrong, mentioning, "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."
Challenges Ahead for Montgomery
The St. Louis Blues face an uphill battle to regain their competitive edge, presently holding a 9-12-1 record and averaging just 2.36 goals per game. Their struggles extend to their special teams, as they rank in the bottom third for both the power play and penalty kill. Montgomery accepts the daunting task ahead, observing, "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."
Despite these obstacles, Montgomery is optimistic about the potential within the team. Having previously coached over half the current Blues lineup, he emphasized the importance of familiar relationships, saying, "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."
A Five-Year Commitment
The decision to bring Montgomery back to St. Louis comes with a five-year commitment from the Blues' ownership, led by Tom Stillman. This long-term agreement underscores the franchise's confidence that Montgomery is the right leader to steer the team through its rebuilding phase. Montgomery himself expressed gratitude for this vote of confidence, pointing out, "The five-year deal shows the commitment of Tom Stillman and the ownership group, that we are in this together."
Montgomery's career points percentage of .659 speaks to his successful track record, and his familiarity with the Blues' organization puts him in a strong position to reinvigorate the team. As Montgomery steps into this new chapter with the Blues, he brings not only his coaching prowess but also a sense of destiny and renewal. Reflecting on the recent turn of events, Montgomery shared a personal mantra that has guided him through challenging times: "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."
The Road Ahead
As the Blues set their sights on climbing up the standings and returning to playoff contention, the stability and vision supplied by Montgomery’s leadership will be critical. Doug Armstrong remains hopeful about the future, asserting, “When you have someone like Jim Montgomery at the helm, you know you have someone who can build this team not just for the present, but for the future as well.”
The team faces mounting pressure from fans and a fiercely competitive league. With Montgomery at the helm, armed with his past successes and driven by the lessons from his time in Boston, the Blues aim to reestablish themselves among the elite teams in the NHL. As Montgomery settles into his role, he does so with the full backing of the organization, a keen sense of purpose, and a profound commitment to the city that, in many ways, feels like home.