Jim Montgomery is poised to redefine his legacy in the National Hockey League as he steps into a new role as the head coach of the St. Louis Blues. This pivotal move comes as the organization looks to reverse its fortunes following a disappointing season under Drew Bannister, who took over for Craig Berube in mid-season but failed to guide the team to the playoffs.
Montgomery Returns to Familiar Territory
For Montgomery, this move marks a return to familiar territory. Having served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, he brings a nuanced understanding of the team and its dynamics. “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 expressed, conveying his enthusiasm and sense of belonging to the franchise.
His appointment follows a tumultuous stint with the Boston Bruins, where despite experiencing a season marked by a record-breaking 65-win and 135-point performance in 2022-23, Montgomery faced a formidable challenge this season with a losing streak of 12 out of 20 games. Nevertheless, the same season saw him celebrated as Coach of the Year, recognizing his ability to extract peak performances from his squad.
A New Chapter for the St. Louis Blues
In St. Louis, Montgomery finds a team at a crossroads, having missed the playoffs and currently holding a 9-12-1 record. The Blues are struggling, averaging just 2.36 goals per game and languishing in the league's bottom third for both power play and penalty kill efficiency. Yet, the organization's leadership, notably Doug Armstrong, President and General Manager, sees Montgomery as a catalyst for change. "He’s one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," Armstrong stated, underscoring the trust and expectations placed on Montgomery.
Tom Stillman, head of the Blues' ownership group, shares this faith, as reflected in a five-year commitment to Montgomery. "The five-year deal shows the commitment of Tom Stillman and the ownership group, that we are in this together," Montgomery noted, emphasizing the supportive framework set for him to succeed.
Building Relationships and the Road Ahead
Integral to Montgomery's coaching philosophy is the importance of relationships, both on and off the ice. "It's about your relationships in life. ... 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. This relational focus could very well be the cornerstone of restoring the team's cohesion and competitiveness.
It’s noteworthy that transitioning Montgomery to head coach has potential to leverage his previous connections with the Blues' players, ensuring a seamless adaptation period. His understanding of the team’s internal operations is expected to expedite this process.
Despite the challenges, there is an undercurrent of optimism around the Blues organization. Montgomery’s career points percentage of .659 is indicative of his capability to steer teams towards success—a vital statistic as the Blues aim to elevate their performance and achieve playoff contention.
The Larger Challenge in the League
However, Montgomery is realistic about the arduous journey that lies ahead. Acknowledging the competitive nature of the league, he remarked, "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." This statement underscores both the challenges and the potential Montgomery envisions for his revamped squad.
As Montgomery embarks on this new chapter with the St. Louis Blues, the broader NHL community keenly watches. His blend of enthusiasm, strategic acumen, and intrinsic understanding of the team shapes an encouraging narrative for a franchise eager to reclaim its place among the league’s playoff contenders. Montgomery's ability to revive the Blues' aspirations remains a captivating storyline in the unfolding hockey season.