Jim Montgomery, a familiar face for the St. Louis Blues, has returned to the team as head coach in a move that signifies both nostalgia and optimism for the franchise. The announcement comes during a challenging season start for the Blues, with the team struggling with a 9-12-1 record and fresh off a season without playoff action under former interim coach Drew Bannister.
Montgomery, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, steps into a role left vacant by Bannister, who himself had stepped in for Craig Berube last December. The change in leadership is not just a return home, but a re-affirmation of Montgomery's coaching prowess after a turbulent period with the Boston Bruins.
A Season of Highs and Lows
His tenure with the Bruins witnessed its own ups and downs. Remarkably, Montgomery engineered an outstanding 65-win season with the Bruins in 2022-23, earning him the Coach of the Year accolade. However, the following season saw him dismissed after a disheartening run where he lost 12 out of 20 games. Despite the exit, his .659 career points percentage remains a testament to his capability.
Jim Montgomery reflected on his journey and the new opportunity saying, "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." The vote of confidence from Doug Armstrong, President and General Manager of the Blues, underscores the mutual belief in Montgomery's ability to steer the Blues back into playoff contention. Armstrong stated, "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows."
Challenges Ahead
Montgomery inherits a team that is currently averaging a modest 2.36 goals per game and faces difficulties with special teams, ranking in the bottom third for both power play and penalty kill. His familiarity with the Blues roster, having previously coached over half of the current lineup, presents a unique advantage. "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, highlighting the rapport and shared history that could prove crucial in motivating the team.
This season presents clear challenges, not least of whom is the owner's — Tom Stillman — commitment to Montgomery with a five-year deal, indicating a long-term vision and trust in his leadership. As Montgomery noted, "The five-year deal shows the commitment of Tom Stillman and the ownership group, that we are in this together."
A Vision for the Future
The enormity of the role is not lost on Montgomery, who remains optimistic despite the challenges. "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 commented, underscoring the competitive nature of the NHL where about half of the teams miss postseason play each year.
Montgomery's return marks a reunion laced with the spirit of redemption and promise. For the Blues, he is not just a coach but a part of the team's cultural fabric, tasked with nurturing a developing squad into a future contender. As the team looks to reverse its fortunes, Montgomery's guiding principle resonates with both humility and ambition: "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."
With the support of Armstrong, Stillman, and a cadre of players eager to script a new chapter under his guidance, Montgomery stands poised to usher in a new era for the St. Louis Blues. Whether the playoffs are in reach this season or the next, the Blues and their fans will be watching closely as Montgomery endeavors to bring the team back to its winning ways.