The St. Louis Blues, a team rich with history and a passionate fanbase, has made a pivotal decision in its quest to return to prominence by appointing Jim Montgomery as their new head coach. Montgomery, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, steps into the lead role at a critical juncture for the franchise.
The Blues ended last season on a disappointing note, missing the playoffs under the brief tenure of coach Drew Bannister, who had taken over from Craig Berube in December. Currently, with a 9-12-1 record, the team faces challenges that Montgomery is tasked with overcoming. Doug Armstrong, the Blues’ President and General Manager, underscored his confidence in Montgomery’s leadership and vision. "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," Armstrong expressed, outlining the strategic thinking behind the hire.
A Return to Familiar Territory
Montgomery is no stranger to the Blues’ organization, having previously coached over half of the current lineup. His familiarity with the team’s core players could prove advantageous as he seeks to reverse their recent struggles. "For me, this was a no-brainer for me to come back home," Montgomery stated, emphasizing the allure of returning to a team he knows intimately and a community he feels connected to.
This appointment follows Montgomery’s departure from the Boston Bruins, where he recently experienced a challenging stretch, with a record of losing 12 out of 20 games. Despite these setbacks, Montgomery's stint with the Bruins was not without success, highlighted by an impressive 65-win season in 2022-23 when he was named Coach of the Year. His career points percentage stands at an impressive .659, further supporting the Blues' faith in his capabilities.
Challenges Ahead
The 52-year-old Canadian's immediate task is addressing the Blues' offensive woes; currently, they are averaging a meager 2.36 goals per game. With power play and penalty-kill rankings in the league's bottom third, the area for improvement is clear. Montgomery’s experience and tactical acumen will be instrumental in refining the team’s play on both sides of the ice.
The Blues’ ownership, led by Tom Stillman, has shown strong support for Montgomery, as symbolized by a five-year contract that underscores their long-term commitment to his vision. Montgomery acknowledged this support by noting, "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."
Hope on the Horizon
Montgomery’s appointment reflects a pragmatic optimism that the Blues can return to playoff contention. "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 remarked, illustrating both the challenges and potential he sees within the team.
His recent comment, "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," captures his enthusiasm and readiness to embrace the challenges ahead.
As the Blues look to write a new chapter in their storied history, Montgomery's re-entry into the organization marks the beginning of a critical era. With a blend of experience, familiarity with the team, and a proven track record, Montgomery stands poised to guide the Blues toward a successful future.