Jim Montgomery's Return to the St. Louis Bench
The winds of change are sweeping through the St. Louis Blues as the team embarks on a new chapter with Jim Montgomery at the helm as head coach. Montgomery, a familiar face in the Blues' organization, rejoins the fold after serving as an assistant coach from 2020 to 2022. This strategic move comes at a crucial juncture, following the Blues' disappointing playoff absence last season and their rocky 9-12-1 start this year.
Montgomery's appointment is not merely a familiar reunion but a calculated decision by Doug Armstrong, the President and General Manager of the St. Louis Blues. "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," Armstrong remarked, highlighting the long-term vision he shares with the Blues' leadership. Backed by a five-year deal from a committed ownership group led by Tom Stillman, Montgomery's return signals an investment in stability and growth for the franchise.
Montgomery's New Challenge in St. Louis
The Blues are eager to shake off last season's struggles under coach Drew Bannister, who took over mid-season from Craig Berube but failed to lead the team to the playoffs. The Blues' performance has lagged, marked by a lackluster offensive averaging 2.36 goals per game and a power play that ranks in the bottom third of the league. Montgomery now faces the challenge of revitalizing this squad, utilizing his prior familiarity with more than half of its lineup.
Montgomery's tenure in the NHL has seen its share of highs and lows. His previous stint with the Boston Bruins ended on less than ideal terms, with a 12 loss streak in 20 games beleaguering his departure. Yet, it’s impossible to overlook his remarkable achievement in the 2022-23 season, where he orchestrated a 65-win, 135-point campaign with the Bruins. His stellar leadership was rightfully recognized as he was named Coach of the Year for that season.
A New Beginning: Emphasizing Relationships and Commitment
For Montgomery, returning to St. Louis isn't just about hockey—it’s personal. "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," he reflected. His previous relationships within the team could serve as the foundation upon which the new Blues’ culture is built. "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 explained, underscoring his confidence in his players.
The sense of commitment between the coach and the team's ownership is mutual. Montgomery revealed, "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." Words like these encapsulate a vision of shared goals and collective success that both he and the team aspire to achieve.
Future Prospects and Playoff Aspirations
While it is no small feat to transform a team struggling at the bottom third of major metrics into playoff contenders, Montgomery appears undaunted by the task ahead. He recognizes the competitive nature of the NHL, where "it's not easy to make the playoffs in this league. Half the teams miss it." Yet, he maintains a steadfast belief in his team’s potential, stating, "I do think that in time this is a caliber playoff team."
With a .659 career points percentage, Montgomery's track record offers hope and aspirations for the Blues faithful. His coaching philosophy, rooted in doing "the right thing," could very well open new doors of opportunity for this team. Now, as he steps firmly back onto the Blues’ bench, all eyes are on Jim Montgomery to see if he can indeed steer the St. Louis Blues back to prominence in the NHL arena.