Jim Montgomery Returns to St. Louis as Head Coach
In a surprising yet strategic move, the St. Louis Blues have announced the return of Jim Montgomery, now stepping into the role of head coach. This comes after his previous tenure as an assistant coach with the team from 2020 to 2022. Montgomery’s appointment marks a significant change in direction for the Blues, who missed the playoffs last season under the guidance of former coach Drew Bannister.
The Blues' management, led by President and General Manager Doug Armstrong, is looking for transformation. "He’s one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," Armstrong noted. Montgomery's familiarity with the players, having already coached over half of the current lineup, positions him uniquely to harness the team’s potential.
Last season, the Blues encountered a bumpy road, finishing outside playoff contention under Bannister's interim leadership. Bannister had taken over midseason from Craig Berube, but a lackluster 9-12-1 start to the current season necessitated further changes. Armstrong’s decision to bring Montgomery back aligns with a rebuilt vision for the team, a vision Montgomery feels integral to. "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 expressed.
Montgomery’s coaching record is one that brings optimism. His career points percentage stands at an impressive .659, underscoring his capability to deliver results. His experience with the Boston Bruins included an exceptional 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, where he was awarded Coach of the Year honors. Nonetheless, his tenure ended on a challenging note with a 12-game losing streak out of 20 games—a statistic that contrasts sharply with his remarkable achievements the previous season.
Despite these past challenges, Montgomery's confidence in his ability to lead the Blues is unwavering. "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," he said. His emphasis on relationships and understanding the team culture proves crucial in his approach to returning to St. Louis.
Montgomery's path back to the Blues is more than just a professional opportunity; it’s a personal journey. Reflecting on the support from the Blues' ownership group led by Tom Stillman, he mentioned, "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."
On the ice, the Blues aspire to overcome their current statistical hurdles. Averaging only 2.36 goals per game and ranking in the bottom third for both power play and penalty kill, the team's on-ice performance demands improvement. However, Montgomery is clear-eyed about the challenges ahead, articulating the competitive nature of the NHL. "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 conveyed, underscoring his belief in the squad’s potential.
For Blues fans, the hope is that Montgomery’s return sparks a rejuvenation. With the pieces of the puzzle falling into place under his leadership, supported by Armstrong’s strategic vision and Stillman’s commitment, the upcoming seasons could indeed see the Blues reclaiming a dominant presence in the league. Montgomery's philosophy is perhaps best summed up in his own reflective musings: "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 the Blues set out to change their fortunes, Jim Montgomery’s homecoming represents not merely a change in tactics but the beginning of a new chapter penned with past lessons, present challenges, and future aspirations. The stage is set for Montgomery to weave his narrative in St. Louis, driven by the conviction that this team is poised to flourish once more.