Jim Montgomery Takes the Helm as Head Coach of the St. Louis Blues
In a significant shift for the St. Louis Blues, Jim Montgomery returns to the organization not only as a familiar face but as the new head coach. His hiring comes amidst echoes of both optimism and challenge as the Blues aim to recalibrate after a difficult season, marking Montgomery's second stint with the team, having previously served as an assistant coach from 2020 to 2022.
Montgomery's appointment follows a tumultuous period under Drew Bannister, who took over from Craig Berube only to see the team miss the playoffs. The Blues' 9-12-1 start this season highlighted persistent struggles, necessitating a change in leadership. Montgomery arrives in St. Louis after a mixed tenure with the Boston Bruins. Despite being named Coach of the Year following a formidable 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, Montgomery experienced a grueling 12-loss streak out of 20 games, leading to his dismissal from the Bruins.
With a career points percentage of .659, Montgomery's return to St. Louis is underscored by confidence from both the Blues' management and himself. "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," said Montgomery. The endorsement of Doug Armstrong, President and General Manager of the Blues, reinforces the strategic vision underpinning Montgomery's appointment. "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," remarked Armstrong.
The current dynamics within the Blues locker room provide Montgomery with a unique advantage. He previously coached over half the present lineup during his initial coaching stint, which may ease his transition into the role and the execution of his strategic vision. "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 noted, expressing a deep connection to the team.
The challenges awaiting Montgomery are considerable, as the Blues are entrenched in difficulties evident in their statistics. A tepid average of 2.36 goals per game and rankings in the bottom third for both power play and penalty kill highlight areas primed for improvement. Nevertheless, the commitment of Blues' ownership, led by Tom Stillman, to Montgomery is manifested in a five-year deal, signaling long-term faith in his contribution. "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," said Montgomery, underscoring the mutual trust between himself and the organization's leadership.
Confronted with the high-stakes environment of NHL competition, Montgomery remains grounded. He acknowledges the inherent difficulty of making the playoffs in a league where half the teams fall short each season. Yet, enthusiasm colors his outlook. "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 asserted, encapsulating the blend of realism and aspiration driving his return.
Montgomery's philosophy of seizing new opportunities has been a guiding principle throughout his career. Reflecting on his approach, he shared, "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 he embarks on this new chapter with the Blues, Montgomery appears well-prepared to navigate the intricacies of leadership with the resolution and insight that have defined his career thus far.
The road ahead for the St. Louis Blues under Jim Montgomery is a journey of potential and rebirth. With a roster familiar to him and the backing of passionate management, Montgomery has a unique opportunity to rejuvenate a team yearning for success and capable of reaching new heights. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Blues to see if Montgomery's return can fulfill the promise it holds.