As turbulence engulfed the St. Louis Blues last season, which culminated in missing the playoffs under former coach Drew Bannister, optimism emerges in the form of a familiar face. Jim Montgomery, a man with deep-rooted ties to the Blues, rejoins the organization as the head coach, introducing a fresh chapter of promise and rebuilding.
Montgomery Returns
Montgomery finds himself back in the St. Louis fold after serving as an assistant coach with the Blues from 2020 to 2022. His new appointment follows a tumultuous period with the Boston Bruins, where despite an impressive 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23 and earning Coach of the Year honors, a stretch of losing 12 out of 20 games ultimately led to his dismissal. "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 stated, highlighting the allure of Doug Armstrong's vision, President and General Manager of the Blues.
A Rekindled Bond
This bond was not Montgomery's alone to kindle. Team President Armstrong shares a mutual respect for Montgomery's capabilities and resilience. "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," Armstrong remarked. It’s a vote of confidence underscored by the team’s investment in a five-year deal, demonstrating Tom Stillman and the Blues' ownership group’s dedication to this renewed partnership. Montgomery commented on this, saying, "It's about your relationships in life… we are in this together."
Familiar Landscape
The landscape Montgomery steps into is far from uncharted. More than half of the Blues roster has played under his guidance before, a dynamic that Montgomery eagerly embraces. "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," he shared, capturing both a personal and professional homecoming.
Yet, the task ahead is formidable. The Blues are currently averaging just 2.36 goals per game, and both their power play and penalty kill languish in the league’s bottom third. The deficits are apparent, but so too is the possibility for transformation, something that Montgomery is keenly aware of. He sees potential in the current squad, surmising, "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."
Navigating the Challenges
The current season’s rocky start under Bannister, with a 9-12-1 record, led to his mid-season replacement of Craig Berube last December, illustrating the need for stability and leadership. Enter Montgomery, whose coaching credentials are solidified by a career points percentage of .659. His return could very well be the antidote to the Blues' struggles, addressing strategic shortcomings and fostering adaptability.
A Vision Forward
At the heart of Montgomery's philosophy lies a dedication to not just the strategies and statistics of the game, but to the personal rapport he fosters with his players. This human aspect is something he acknowledges with an oft-quoted axiom, "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."
As the season progresses, the St. Louis fans, player alumni, and ownership eagerly anticipate what Montgomery’s return signifies: an earnest effort to revitalize not just the game but the culture within. The next chapter for the Blues isn’t merely about making the playoffs. It's about regaining the competitive edge and nurturing a sustainable environment for triumph.
With Montgomery at the helm, the Blues prepare to turn the page, moving forward with confidence in a renewed strategy and rekindled relationships. His homecoming is more than just a return; it’s a reunion poised to inspire rejuvenation, offering the potential to uplift the Blues and steer them back to a promising path of success.