Jim Montgomery’s New Chapter: Taking the Helm of the St. Louis Blues
In an unexpected twist of fate, Jim Montgomery has returned to the St. Louis Blues, but this time, he's taking on the lead role as head coach. His journey back to St. Louis is marked with significant promise and a whiff of redemption, following his dismissal from the Boston Bruins.
The Blues recently announced the hiring of Montgomery, who served the team as an assistant coach between 2020 and 2022. His familiarity with the organization and the majority of the players on the roster presents an advantageous starting point. "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 noted, reflecting on his decision to re-join the Blues.
Challenge and Opportunity
The current season presents a challenging canvas for Montgomery. The Blues struggled last season, missing the playoffs under the guidance of coach Drew Bannister, who had stepped in for Craig Berube in December. Starting this season with a 9-12-1 record and ranking in the bottom third for both power play and penalty kill, the team faces upward battles. However, Montgomery sees potential beyond the immediate hurdles. "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 expressed optimistically.
His past achievements provide a glimmer of hope for the franchise. During his tenure with the Boston Bruins, Montgomery led the team to an impressive 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, earning him the accolade of Coach of the Year. Yet, the recent losing streak of 12 out of 20 games with Boston illustrates a turbulent conclusion to his previous post.
A Shared Vision with Management
The decision to bring Montgomery back to St. Louis aligns with the vision held by St. Louis Blues' President and General Manager, Doug Armstrong, and the ownership group headed by Tom Stillman. The five-year deal offered to Montgomery signals their confidence in his leadership capabilities and long-term vision for the team's future. Montgomery places significant emphasis on the relationships he fosters within the organization. "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," he remarked, hinting at the cohesive strategy envisioned for the Blues.
Doug Armstrong shared his thoughts on Montgomery's potential impact, stating, "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows." This sentiment echoes a shared belief in Montgomery’s ability to nurture and develop the team’s talent, paving a path for consistent success.
Returning with New Insights
Montgomery returns with fresh insights, shaped by past experiences and a profound respect for resilience. His philosophy underscores the importance of seizing new opportunities wisely. "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," he quipped, merging humor with a lesson in perseverance.
For Montgomery, the call to lead the St. Louis Blues represents a critical moment in his coaching career. The challenges are evident, not least due to the team's current average of just 2.36 goals per game, but so too are the opportunities to carve out a new era of success. "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 said, encapsulating his excitement and readiness to embrace the forthcoming journey.
The blend of familiar territory, strategic foresight from management, and a resilient attitude molds the foundation of Montgomery’s new chapter with the St. Louis Blues. As both team and coach embark on this pivotal journey together, the NHL and its followers watch closely to see the transformation this partnership will unfold.