Montgomery Takes the Helm: A New Dawn for the St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues, a franchise steeped in history and tradition, have made a significant change in leadership by appointing Jim Montgomery as their new head coach. Montgomery, who returns to a familiar environment after serving as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, replaces Drew Bannister. The Blues missed the playoffs last season under Bannister's leadership, a move precipitated by the mid-season dismissal of Craig Berube.
Montgomery arrives with a reputation both honored and blemished. His recent tenure with the Boston Bruins ended in departure after enduring a losing streak covering 12 of 20 games this season. Yet, his time in Boston also witnessed remarkable successes, including steering the team to an astounding 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, and Montgomery being named Coach of the Year.
"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 remarked, highlighting his enthusiasm to be part of the Blues' future. Doug Armstrong, the President and General Manager of the Blues, has strongly endorsed Montgomery, saying, "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows."
Challenges and Opportunities
The Blues currently face challenges that Montgomery will need to address. The team has struggled, evidenced by their 9-12-1 record this season, sitting in the bottom third for both power play and penalty killing. They are averaging a modest 2.36 goals per game. Despite these statistics, there lies an opportunity for revitalization with Montgomery at the helm.
Jim Montgomery acknowledged the arduous nature of the league, stating, "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." His familiarity with more than half of the current Blues lineup—having coached them previously—adds an intriguing dynamic as he steps in to ignite the team’s potential.
The Montgomery Vision
Reversing the Blues’ fortunes isn’t just a professional mission for Montgomery; it is deeply personal. "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, reflecting on his decision to seize this opportunity. The five-year deal offered by Tom Stillman, head of the Blues' ownership group, underscores the long-term commitment both parties are willing to make.
Montgomery’s career points percentage stands at .659, a testament to his adept coaching skills. His strategic insights and relational approach emphasize growth that extends beyond just statistical improvements.
Building Relationships and a New Era
Building solid relationships is central to Montgomery's coaching philosophy. "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 shared, acknowledging the importance of support from management and ownership. Such support is pivotal as he embarks on his latest coaching chapter with the Blues, aiming for both immediate and sustained success.
As the new leader behind the bench, Montgomery embodies both hope and redemption, eager to usher in a resurgence for the Blues. His approach, fueled by past experiences and forward-looking optimism, offers a beacon for a team and fan base hungry for postseason success.