Jim Montgomery as Head Coach
In a significant shakeup early in the NHL season, the St. Louis Blues have announced the dismissal of Drew Bannister as head coach and the appointment of Jim Montgomery as his replacement. The move comes just 22 games into the 2024-25 campaign, signaling the team’s urgency to redirect their season trajectory. Montgomery’s five-year contract makes him the 28th head coach in franchise history.
Why the Change?
The Blues, under Drew Bannister, struggled to find consistency this season. Despite Bannister’s efforts, the team’s performance failed to meet expectations, prompting President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong to make the difficult decision.
“We thank Drew for his dedication and contributions to the Blues, but it’s clear that a change was needed to move forward,” Armstrong stated.
With playoff aspirations hanging in the balance, the Blues turned to a familiar face in Jim Montgomery, a coach who had previously served two seasons as an assistant with the team from 2020 to 2022.
Jim Montgomery’s Impressive Resume
Jim Montgomery, 55, brings an extensive and impressive coaching background to his new role. Most recently, he spent over two seasons as head coach of the Boston Bruins, leading the team to historic successes:
- A 120-41-23 record during his tenure.
- Guiding the Bruins to the 2022-23 Presidents’ Trophy after a record-breaking 65-12-5 season, the most wins and points (135) in NHL history.
- Winning the 2022-23 Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year.
Prior to Boston, Montgomery served as head coach of the Dallas Stars, posting a 60-43-10 record over two seasons. His coaching journey also includes winning the Clark Cup twice with the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the USHL and leading the University of Denver to an NCAA National Championship in 2017.
His return to the Blues brings familiarity and a track record of building winning teams, something the franchise desperately needs to reignite their competitive spark.
A Fresh Start for the Blues
Montgomery’s experience and accolades make him a promising addition for a team looking to climb back into playoff contention. His connection to the Blues, from his prior stint as an assistant coach, means he already understands the organization’s culture and values.
While the Blues have underperformed this season, Montgomery’s history of turning teams around bodes well for a resurgence. Fans can expect a blend of strategic discipline, creative playmaking, and an emphasis on player development, particularly for younger talent.
Montgomery’s Challenges and Opportunities
However, Montgomery’s hiring comes with immediate challenges. The Blues need to address several pressing issues:
- Defensive Inconsistencies: Improving their back-end structure and limiting costly turnovers.
- Scoring Depth: Ensuring more consistent offensive contributions beyond top-line players.
- Locker Room Morale: Rebuilding trust and enthusiasm after a rocky start to the season.
The task won’t be easy, but Montgomery’s history of maximizing his team’s potential makes him the ideal candidate to meet these challenges head-on.
The Quick Transition After Boston
Montgomery’s availability came as a surprise to many after he was let go by the Boston Bruins following an 8-9-3 start to the 2024-25 season. Despite the abrupt exit, his time with the Bruins is remembered for the team’s historic achievements under his leadership.
This swift transition to St. Louis provides Montgomery with an opportunity to prove himself once again and solidify his reputation as one of the top coaches in the NHL.
Looking Ahead About Head Coach
With a five-year contract and high expectations, Jim Montgomery’s tenure as the 28th head coach of the St. Louis Blues begins with both optimism and pressure. The Blues organization and fans alike hope that his leadership will usher in a new era of success for the franchise.
Montgomery’s first test will be rallying the team and implementing his systems quickly. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the Blues respond to their new leader behind the bench.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and other NHL news as the season unfolds!
