In a bold move that has captured the attention of the National Hockey League community, Jim Montgomery has taken the helm as the head coach of the St. Louis Blues. This appointment marks Montgomery's return to St. Louis, where he previously served as an assistant coach from 2020 to 2022. The Blues' management, led by President and General Manager Doug Armstrong, believes that Montgomery is the right person to lead the team through its current challenges and into a brighter future.
Montgomery's Journey
Jim Montgomery's coaching resume is both impressive and complex. His recent dismissal from the Boston Bruins was marked by a challenging period, losing 12 out of the final 20 games. However, that chapter also included an impressive 65-win, 135-point 2022-23 season, which earned him the Coach of the Year accolade. Reflecting on his tenure with the Bruins, Montgomery acknowledged the high and lows, but he finds his new role with the Blues particularly invigorating.
"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 shared, capturing the essence of his renewed focus. He also expressed his confidence in the team, saying, "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."
Current Challenges for the Blues
The St. Louis Blues are currently navigating a turbulent season, evidenced by their 9-12-1 record. They missed the playoffs last season under coach Drew Bannister, who himself had taken over midway through the campaign from Craig Berube. The team struggles offensively, averaging just 2.36 goals per game, and ranks in the bottom third for both power play and penalty kill. These stats are certainly points for urgent improvement under Montgomery's guidance.
Despite these challenges, Montgomery is optimistic about the potential that lies within the team. "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 stated confidently. His optimism is shared by Armstrong, who said of Montgomery, "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows."
A Club United
Part of what makes Montgomery's new role intriguing is his existing relationship with much of the Blues' lineup. Having coached over half of the current roster, Montgomery enters the role with established trust and understanding, which often takes new coaches time to cultivate. Moreover, the leadership of Tom Stillman and the Blues' ownership group extend a five-year commitment to Montgomery, signaling a long-term vision and shared goals.
"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," Montgomery emphasized, highlighting the unity that exists behind the scenes.
Looking Forward
Jim Montgomery's arrival in St. Louis is accompanied by both hope and expectations. As a coach with a career points percentage of .659, he brings a record of success few can match. However, the task ahead is formidable: to lift the Blues from the lower third of the league standings and forge a competitive presence in the playoffs. The belief that "When you do the right thing, another door opens," as Montgomery mentioned, could very well define his time ahead with the Blues.
For the St. Louis Blues, this season might pave the way for a newfound trajectory, led by a coach who seamlessly weaves past experiences with future ambitions. As the Blues embark on this new chapter, all eyes will be on Montgomery to see how his leadership translates into on-ice success.