Montgomery Takes the Helm in St. Louis: A New Era for the Blues
In a move that marks a promising new chapter for the St. Louis Blues, Jim Montgomery has been appointed as the team's head coach. Montgomery, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, brings with him an impressive resume and a deep connection with much of the current lineup. "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," Montgomery stated.
A Proven Track Record
Montgomery's coaching credentials are undeniable. His most recent stint with the Boston Bruins was highlighted by a stellar 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, earning him the title of Coach of the Year. Despite experiencing a tough losing streak of 12 out of 20 games with the Bruins this season, his career points percentage remains an impressive .659. The struggles with the Bruins culminated in his dismissal, but Montgomery remains optimistic about his future with the Blues following the call from Doug Armstrong, the President and General Manager of the team. "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.
Facing Challenges Head-On
The Blues, who found themselves outside the playoff picture last season under coach Drew Bannister, have had a rocky start to their current campaign with a 9-12-1 record. The team's struggles are evident, ranking in the bottom third for both the power play and penalty kill, while currently averaging just 2.36 goals per game. It’s clear that Montgomery has his work cut out for him. However, both he and the Blues' management are confident in the potential of the team. Armstrong remarked, "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows."
Guiding Principles and Long-Term Vision
With the supportive backing of Tom Stillman and the rest of the ownership group, Montgomery steps into his new role on a solid footing. A five-year deal exemplifies the longstanding commitment both from the coach and the organization. Montgomery emphasized, "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 is not daunted by the competitive nature of the NHL, where half of the teams fail to secure a playoff berth each season. He remains optimistic about his team’s prospects, 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."
Forging a New Path
As Montgomery re-integrates into the Blues setup, there is an air of familiarity mixed with opportunity—a chance to reconstruct and reshape a team into a formidable force. The dynamics between the team management, players, and Montgomery appear strong, laying the groundwork for promising seasons ahead. His philosophical approach to life and coaching is captured vividly in his words: "The best line that put his hooks into me is, 'When you do the right thing, another door opens.' I guess I was a T-bone that day."
In Montgomery, the Blues have a coach with a distinct vision, bolstered by his significant experience and the respect he commands within the NHL community. As the team looks to leverage his skills and leadership, a renewed sense of optimism and determination might just be the catalyst for a resurgence in St. Louis. The challenges ahead are formidable, but for Montgomery and the Blues, the future is a door wide open, ready to embrace a new era of potential and success.