Jim Montgomery, a distinguished name in the realm of ice hockey coaching, has made a significant return to the St. Louis Blues, this time as their head coach. Montgomery's path has been notable, marked by both achievements and challenges, but his arrival signals a new era for the Blues, eager to bounce back from their recent playoff absence.
A Familiar Face in St. Louis
The appointment of Jim Montgomery isn't entirely a fresh start for him with the organization. Montgomery previously served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, during which he developed strong relationships and key insights into the players. His familiarity with over half the current roster should provide a solid foundation for his transition to head coach. Montgomery expressed this sentiment, stating, "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."
Challenges and Expectations
The Blues missed the playoffs last season under the direction of coach Drew Bannister, who had stepped in for Craig Berube in December. The team struggled to find consistency, closing last season with a 9-12-1 record. Montgomery will be tasked not just with improving this record but with reinvigorating a franchise that has struggled in key areas, notably ranking in the bottom third for both power play and penalty kill efficiency. The goal-scoring average of 2.36 goals per game further highlights the need for strategic adjustments.
A Proven Track Record
While Montgomery faced a difficult spell with the Boston Bruins, marked by a 12-loss streak out of 20 games this season, his overall contributions to the NHL are nothing short of impressive. His tenure with the Bruins included an extraordinary 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, earning him the prestigious Coach of the Year title. Montgomery's career holds a .659 points percentage, underscoring his effectiveness and strategy as a coach at the NHL level.
The Path Forward with Visionary Leadership
Montgomery's integration into the Blues organization is buoyed by the clear, confident vision of Doug Armstrong, the team's President and General Manager. Armstrong's commitment to long-term growth and success has forged strong backing from the Blues' ownership. Montgomery captured this sentiment stating, "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."
Accompanying this vision is the five-year deal supported by Tom Stillman and the Blues' ownership group, providing Montgomery a steadfast platform to build upon. As he poignantly observed, "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."
Beyond the First Season
Montgomery acknowledges the challenges ahead, notably the competitive nature of the NHL where half the teams miss the playoffs each season. His optimism, however, remains undeterred. "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 declared, pointing to both his belief in the current squad and his strategic abilities to turn promises into actions.
Revival and Rebirth
Jim Montgomery's return to the St. Louis Blues is more than just a change in coaching staff; it's a revival. It represents a strategic opportunity to rebuild and set sights on success. With a blend of past experience, a proven track record, and resolute backing from the club's leadership, Montgomery is poised to guide the Blues toward a brighter, more competitive future, aiming not just for playoff contention but for enduring success in the NHL.