Jim Montgomery's coaching career has taken a pivotal turn as he returns to the St. Louis Blues, this time at the helm as head coach. Known for his strategic acumen and leadership, Montgomery’s appointment follows a season where the Blues, under Drew Bannister, missed out on the playoffs.
A Familiar Homecoming
Montgomery is no stranger to the Blues organization, having served as an assistant coach from 2020 to 2022. His familiarity with the team could serve as a crucial advantage. "I have worked with over half this lineup already, and I know how committed they are," Montgomery remarked. "For me, this was a no-brainer for me to come back home."
His ties to the team extend beyond the current roster, lending an air of anticipation for what his leadership might bring. Doug Armstrong, the President and General Manager of the Blues, expressed confidence in Montgomery's long-term fit. "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," Armstrong stated.
Turbulent Times in Boston
Before his return to St. Louis, Montgomery faced challenges with the Boston Bruins, where he experienced a rough patch with a 12-out-of-20 game losing streak this season. Despite this downturn, he left a significant mark on the Bruins’ history with a 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23. His efforts did not go unnoticed, as he was named Coach of the Year for that season.
The dismissal from Boston seemed only to fuel his determination. "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 reflected. Emphasizing his readiness to tackle new opportunities, he quoted, "The best line that put his hooks into me is, 'When you do the right thing, another door opens.'"
Challenges Ahead for the Blues
Stepping into his role with St. Louis, Montgomery finds the team struggling with a 9-12-1 record this season and ranking in the bottom third for both the power play and penalty kill. The Blues are averaging a mere 2.36 goals per game, a statistic that underscores the uphill battle that the new head coach faces.
The Blues aim to rise from last season’s disappointment, which saw them missing the playoffs under Bannister, who had taken over from Craig Berube in December. Yet, Montgomery remains optimistic. "It's not easy to make the playoffs in this league," he admitted. "Half the teams miss it. But I do think that in time this is a caliber playoff team."
Commitment and Optimism
Montgomery’s commitment to the team's future is bolstered by a five-year contract, signaling a mutual dedication between the coach and the organization. "It's about your relationships in life," he said. "The five-year deal shows the commitment of Tom Stillman and the ownership group, that we are in this together."
The narrative of Montgomery's return is a testament to the belief that past relationships and familiar environments can be the catalyst for new success. The installation of Montgomery as head coach brings a hopeful yet challenging chapter for the St. Louis Blues as they strive to harness his experience and vision to instigate meaningful progress.
As Montgomery re-enters the fray with the Blues, his career points percentage of .659 stands as a testament to his ability to guide teams to success. Fans and the organization alike hope that his history of creating strong team dynamics will unlock potential and steer them back to the path of playoff contention. With seasoned leadership and a strategically inclined mind at the helm, the Blues embark on a journey infused with both optimism and resolve.