Montgomery Returns to Familiar Grounds with Ambitious Visions for Blues
Amid the historic ambiance of Madison Square Garden, Jim Montgomery faced the press wearing a dark blue sweatshirt embossed with the familiar blue note logo of the St. Louis Blues. An emblem he once sported during his tenure as an assistant coach from 2020-22, Montgomery now returns to St. Louis with renewed focus as the team’s head coach.
Having been hired to replace Drew Bannister, Montgomery steps into a challenging role following a disappointing season which saw the Blues miss the playoffs under Bannister, who had taken over for Craig Berube in December. Despite starting the current season with a 9-12-1 record, there is an optimistic air surrounding Montgomery’s appointment, especially with his track record of playoff qualifications for every NHL team he has coached for a full season.
A Fresh Start in St. Louis
Montgomery’s journey has been one of resilience. After his untimely dismissal from the Boston Bruins, following a streak of losing 12 out of their first 20 games this season, the opportunity with the Blues signifies an important new beginning. "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 said, expressing his enthusiasm for the team’s direction under President and General Manager Doug Armstrong.
Armstrong's faith in Montgomery is clear: "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows." Indeed, Montgomery’s new five-year contract reflects a mutual commitment and a shared vision for the Blues' future.
Building on Past Achievements
Montgomery is no stranger to success. His time with the Bruins was marked by a stunning 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, earning him the accolade of Coach of the Year. In discussing his past accomplishments and future goals, Montgomery acknowledges the critical role of relationships and perseverance. "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."
The Blues are hoping that Montgomery’s leadership will spark a reversal of their offensive fortunes. Currently averaging 2.36 goals per game, a figure placing them in the lower echelons of the league, there is ample room for growth, particularly with the power play and penalty kill, where the team also ranks in the bottom third.
A Personal Commitment
Returning to the Blues is a personal homecoming for Montgomery, who feels a strong connection with many of the current players he previously coached. "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." This familiarity could prove vital as he endeavors to foster a resilient and competitive squad capable of playoff contention.
Montgomery remains unrattled by past upheavals, citing the importance of seizing opportunity: "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."
Aiming for Success
With the backing of Doug Armstrong and ownership group head Tom Stillman, Jim Montgomery is set to embark on a new chapter aimed at long-term success. His .659 career points percentage underpins his strategic acumen, promising a potential transformation for the Blues’ fortunes.
"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 asserts, confident yet aware of the hurdles that lie ahead. As the Blues strive to navigate the season under Montgomery’s stewardship, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how his proven coaching capabilities translate into the some much-needed victories for the team.