Jim Montgomery, the newly appointed head coach of the St. Louis Blues, expressed his elation at returning to the team during a press conference at Madison Square Garden. Sporting a dark blue sweatshirt adorned with the Blues' iconic blue note logo, Montgomery shared his enthusiasm for rejoining the organization where he previously served as an assistant coach from 2020-22.
Montgomery, who was recently let go by the Boston Bruins before swiftly being hired by St. Louis to replace Drew Bannister, described his return as 'crazy' and a 'no-brainer' decision due to his familiarity with over half of the Blues' lineup and their unwavering commitment.
The Blues, who missed the playoffs last season, are off to a challenging start this season with a record of 9-12-1. Ranking poorly in goals scored per game, power play efficiency, and penalty kill effectiveness, Montgomery faces the task of turning the team's performance around.
Having previously led the Bruins to a record-setting season in 2022-23, Montgomery's coaching prowess and track record of playoff qualifications make him a valuable addition to the Blues. His appointment by Blues president and general manager Doug Armstrong reflects the team's confidence in his abilities to elevate their performance.
Despite recent coaching stints with the Bruins and the Dallas Stars, which ended under different circumstances, Montgomery remains optimistic about the Blues' potential. He believes in the team's capabilities and envisions them as a playoff-caliber contender in due time.
Armstrong's decision to offer Montgomery a five-year contract underscores the organization's commitment to stability and long-term success. Montgomery, appreciative of the support and trust shown by the Blues' ownership group, is eager to contribute to the team's growth and competitiveness in the league.
Transitioning from one successful coaching role to another, Montgomery views his return to St. Louis as a positive opportunity for personal and professional growth. Embracing the new challenge with a positive mindset, he looks forward to making a lasting impact on the Blues' trajectory in the NHL.
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