Jim Montgomery Takes Helm as St. Louis Blues' Head Coach
In a move designed to rejuvenate a struggling franchise, Jim Montgomery has been named the head coach of the St. Louis Blues. Montgomery steps into the role familiar with both the city and its storied hockey team, having previously served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022. This appointment follows a turbulent period for the Blues, who missed the playoffs last season under the leadership of coach Drew Bannister.
Montgomery's hire is a strategic decision by Doug Armstrong, the President and General Manager of the St. Louis Blues, alongside the team's ownership group led by Tom Stillman. Expressing his confidence in Montgomery's potential, Armstrong noted, "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows."
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The Blues currently languish in the midst of a challenging season, starting with a 9-12-1 record. They also rank in the bottom third for both power play and penalty kill, areas that Montgomery will need to address in his effort to steer the team back to playoff contention. The team is averaging a modest 2.36 goals per game, a statistic that further highlights the urgency for a fresh tactical approach.
Previous Success and Trials
Montgomery brings a varied coaching experience to the role, highlighted by his tenure with the Boston Bruins, where he recorded a remarkable 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23. His outstanding performance during that season earned him the prestigious Coach of the Year accolade. Despite this success, his time with the Bruins was not without challenges, including a losing streak where the team dropped 12 out of 20 games, ultimately leading to his dismissal. Nevertheless, his career points percentage of .659 speaks volumes of his capability to extract performance from his teams.
Reflecting on his decision to join the Blues, Montgomery stated, "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." His familiarity with the franchise and many of its current players—having previously coached over half of the lineup—provides an added advantage as he integrates into the role. Montgomery himself emphasizes this comfort, stating, "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."
A Commitment to Success
Jim Montgomery's appointment comes with a five-year commitment, a signal of faith from Tom Stillman and the ownership group in his ability to guide the team through its current difficulties and into a brighter future. Montgomery acknowledges this confidence, reflecting, "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."
As the Blues attempt to transform their fortunes, Montgomery remains optimistic about their potential, despite the inherent challenges of the NHL's competitive landscape. He wisely points out, "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."
Having seen both the highs and lows of NHL coaching, Montgomery understands the intricate dynamics between discipline, strategy, and motivational leadership. It is this experience and his seasoned approach to coaching that fans, players, and management alike hope will bring renewed energy and success to the St. Louis Blues. With Doug Armstrong's strategic vision and Montgomery's ability to connect with and inspire his roster, the coming seasons could very well mark the beginning of a new era for the franchise.