Jim Montgomery Returns to St. Louis as Head Coach
Jim Montgomery has made a much-anticipated return to the St. Louis Blues, taking the helm as the head coach. The announcement comes at a pivotal time for the Blues, who failed to secure a playoff spot last season under the interim leadership of Drew Bannister, who took over from Craig Berube in December.
Montgomery's comeback to St. Louis could be seen less as a surprise and more as a homecoming. "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 remarked about his familiarity with the current team roster. His coaching experience with the St. Louis Blues, where he served as an assistant coach from 2020 to 2022, bolsters his return.
A Fresh Chapter for the Blues
The decision to bring Montgomery back is part of a broader strategy articulated by Doug Armstrong, the President and General Manager of the Blues. "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," Armstrong noted, emphasizing Montgomery's synergy with the team and future vision.
The Blues have struggled at the start of the current season with a 9-12-1 record, averaging 2.36 goals per game and sitting in the bottom third for both power play and penalty kill. Montgomery’s appointment signals a fresh chapter in rejuvenating a team that is seeking to regain its competitive edge. Montgomery highlighted the organization's dedication to this new phase, "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’s Track Record and Challenges
Jim Montgomery's journey has not been without its challenges. He recently parted ways with the Boston Bruins, following a season where he encountered a rough patch, losing 12 out of 20 games. However, this followed an impressive 2022-23 season where he led the Bruins to a franchise-best 65-win, 135-point season and earned the Coach of the Year title. Montgomery holds a commendable career points percentage of .659, attesting to his potential to bring a winning formula to the Blues.
Reflecting on his journey and the lessons learned, Montgomery shared, "When you do the right thing, another door opens." His ability to persevere through adversity and maintain a focus on opportunities embodies his coaching philosophy as he tackles the task of lifting the Blues from their current position.
Leadership and Expectations
The Blues' leadership duo, Armstrong and head of the ownership group Tom Stillman, seem to bet on Montgomery's experience and leadership to guide the team back into the playoffs. As Montgomery himself succinctly put it, "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 return evokes hope and a new direction, affirming a shared vision for the future.
With a five-year deal secured, Montgomery, Armstrong, and Stillman appear united in their commitment, setting sights on a brighter horizon. As Montgomery steps up to lead the Blues, both fans and analysts will closely watch how he channels his robust experience to foster growth and improvement in the coming seasons.