Montgomery Returns to St. Louis: A Second Act with Renewed Promise
In a strategic maneuver designed to reset the course of their season, the St. Louis Blues have turned to a familiar face, appointing Jim Montgomery as their new head coach. Montgomery, who served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, steps into the role following a turbulent year with the Boston Bruins and a subsequent dismissal. Montgomery’s appointment comes on the heels of a lackluster start to the season under Drew Bannister's interim leadership.
The Blues completed last season on a sour note, missing the playoffs—a painful outcome for a franchise accustomed to competitive hockey. Under Bannister, who replaced Craig Berube in December, the team struggled to find a winning rhythm, finishing at a disappointing 9-12-1 record.
Montgomery's Proven Track Record
Despite recent challenges, Montgomery's coaching resume is dotted with impressive feats. While with the Bruins, Montgomery guided the team to a stellar 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, earning himself the Coach of the Year title. His .659 career points percentage is a testament to his effective coaching style and strategic acumen. “When you do the right thing, another door opens,” Montgomery said, reflecting on his career path and the unexpected opportunity with the Blues.
His familiarity with the Blues roster is an asset Montgomery eagerly embraces. Having coached over half of the current lineup, he believes this existing rapport will serve as a strong foundation for both short-term success and long-term growth. “I have worked with over half this lineup already, and I know how committed they are. For me, this was a no-brainer to come back home,” Montgomery expressed with confidence.
A Strategic Vision
Doug Armstrong, President and General Manager of the Blues, is optimistic about Montgomery's return. “He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows,” Armstrong remarked, hinting at a vision that extends well beyond the current season. The commitment from the Blues' ownership is evident in the five-year deal offered to Montgomery. As Tom Stillman, head of the Blues’ ownership group, proves his commitment, Montgomery appreciatively acknowledges, “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.”
Under Montgomery, the Blues aim to reconfigure their strategy and improve upon their current standing, where they average just 2.36 goals per game and rank in the bottom third for both power play and penalty kill. Such statistics have undeniably hindered their playoff ambitions, but Montgomery’s return signals a strategic reawakening.
Hope for the Future
It's well-known that the NHL is a fiercely competitive league; after all, half of the teams miss the playoffs each season. Yet, Montgomery is undeterred by these odds. “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,” he stated, conveying a combination of realism and resolve that could inspire the Blues' faithful.
With the vision and strategy of one of the league's most esteemed coaches, bolstered by a management willing to invest deeply in its personnel, the St. Louis Blues stand at the dawn of what could be a transformative chapter.
The Road Ahead
The task that lies before Montgomery is indeed formidable. He not only has to arrest the team's slide but also chart a course that will make them a contender once again. This will require a calculated blend of tactical innovation and fostering deeper player relationships. Yet, as he steps up to lead a team hungry for resurgence, Montgomery's history suggests that he is ready for the challenge, poised to reinvigorate the Blues and restore their competitive edge.