Jim Montgomery Takes the Helm of the St. Louis Blues: A Homecoming with High Hopes
In a move that has sparked conversations across the NHL community, Jim Montgomery has been appointed as the head coach of the St. Louis Blues. This decision comes after the team fell short of making the playoffs last season under Drew Bannister, who had stepped in after Craig Berube's departure in December. As the Blues open the current season with a 9-12-1 record and a lackluster performance on special teams, the organization is looking to Montgomery to reignite their competitive spirit.
Montgomery is no stranger to the Blues. He served as an assistant coach with the team from 2020 to 2022, offering him valuable insights into the team dynamics and individual player strengths. His familiarity with over half of the current Blues lineup further cements the belief that this is more of a homecoming than a new beginning. "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," Montgomery expressed with enthusiasm.
His coaching pedigree was spotlighted during his tenure with the Boston Bruins, despite a recent rocky patch. Montgomery was dismissed from the Bruins earlier this season amid a troubling streak where the team lost 12 out of 20 games. However, his previous accomplishments there include spearheading a remarkable 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, a feat that earned him the prestigious Coach of the Year award. Montgomery's ability to transform teams is well-documented, and Blues fans are hopeful he can replicate similar success in St. Louis.
Blues’ President and General Manager, Doug Armstrong, voiced his confidence in Montgomery’s potential to steer the team back to glory. "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," Armstrong stated, highlighting the strategic vision that Montgomery is expected to implement. Moreover, Montgomery himself seems deeply committed to the Blues' future, acknowledging the security and belief bestowed upon him by Blues' owner Tom Stillman and the ownership team. "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 noted.
The Blues have been struggling offensively, averaging just 2.36 goals per game and ranking in the bottom third for both the power play and penalty kill. These shortcomings underscore the challenges Montgomery faces as he attempts to craft a cohesive and effective strategy. But Montgomery, undeterred by the hurdles, reflects on the broader picture. "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," he reflects.
His journey with the Blues comes with clear goals. Half of NHL teams miss the playoffs every season, making the pursuit for a spot fiercely competitive. Montgomery acknowledges the reality, yet remains optimistic about the team’s potential as a playoff contender. "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," Montgomery asserts with conviction.
For now, attention turns to how Montgomery's past experience, familiarity with the Blues' core players, and a strategic vision developed alongside Armstrong, can be leveraged to navigate the challenging season ahead. To the fans, Montgomery leaves a resonating thought: "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."
As the St. Louis Blues venture into this new chapter, one thing remains clear: with Jim Montgomery at the helm, change is not just expected—it's anticipated. The journey might be arduous, but it's packed with the promise of redemption and a return to playoff contention, a narrative that resonates deeply with every Blues' supporter.