Jim Montgomery Returns as Head Coach of St. Louis Blues
In a move that signifies a fresh chapter for the St. Louis Blues, Jim Montgomery has been appointed as the head coach of the team. Montgomery, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, steps into the role amid high expectations and a clear vision for the future outlined by Doug Armstrong, the team's President and General Manager.
"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 and excitement for the team's direction.
The Blues endured a challenging season under the leadership of Drew Bannister, missing the playoffs last year. Bannister, who took over in December from Craig Berube, found it tough to turn around the team's fortunes. The current season has not started much better, with the team posting a 9-12-1 record. Montgomery's appointment is seen as a strategic move to bring stability and renewed vigor to the team.
Montgomery’s Coaching Journey
Montgomery's journey back to St. Louis is marked by significant experiences, most notably his tenure with the Boston Bruins. Despite being dismissed from the Bruins following a tough stretch — including a losing streak of 12 out of 20 games this season — Montgomery's previous record with the team was remarkable. He led the Bruins to a 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, a feat that earned him the Coach of the Year award.
His experience and proven track record make Montgomery a promising choice for the Blues’ future. "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," Armstrong observed with optimism.
The Challenges Ahead
The Blues are currently facing several challenges, both offensively and defensively. Averaging 2.36 goals per game, they find themselves struggling in the bottom third of the league for both power play and penalty kill effectiveness. Montgomery inherits a roster that he is largely familiar with, having worked with over half of the current Blues lineup during his previous tenure. "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 remarked, highlighting his strong connections within the team.
There is no doubt that making the playoffs is an uphill battle, as Montgomery acknowledged, "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 Vision for the Blues
Montgomery's return also aligns with a broader vision held by the Blues' ownership group, headed by Tom Stillman. The commitment from the top levels of management is evident in the five-year deal extended to Montgomery, signaling a long-term belief in his capabilities. "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.
Armstrong, Montgomery, and the Blues' leadership share a vision not just for immediate improvement, but for sustained success. Montgomery’s career points percentage of .659 is indicative of his ability to drive results, and with the combined effort of management and players, there is hope that the Blues will rise to be playoff contenders once again.
For Montgomery, the move back to St. Louis is much more than a professional decision; it’s a return to familiar grounds where he sees potential for growth and success. As he reflects on his past and looks forward to building future successes with the team, Montgomery shared a sentiment that resonates with his journey: "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."