BREAKING NEWS: Jim Montgomery Signed a Five-Year Contract and Assumed the Role of the 28th Head Coach in St. Louis Blues History
In a major shake-up for the St. Louis Blues, the team has announced that Jim Montgomery has officially signed a five-year contract to become the 28th head coach in the franchise’s storied history. Montgomery takes over from Drew Bannister, who had been relieved of his coaching duties in early November 2024 after the team struggled to maintain a consistent performance. The Blues hope that Montgomery’s extensive experience and success in the NHL will be the catalyst needed to turn the team’s fortunes around.
Montgomery, 55, brings a wealth of coaching experience, most notably from his tenure as the head coach of the Boston Bruins. During his time with the Bruins, Montgomery orchestrated one of the most dominant regular seasons in NHL history in 2022-23, leading the team to a record-breaking 65-12-5 finish. However, despite the regular-season success, the Bruins’ early playoff exit in 2023 led to Montgomery’s dismissal in the 2024 offseason. Many were surprised by his firing, but Montgomery’s impressive record immediately made him one of the most sought-after coaching candidates.
St. Louis wasted no time in securing his services, hiring him just days after his departure from Boston. In his opening remarks as head coach of the Blues, Montgomery spoke with confidence and determination, emphasizing his focus on building a team-first mentality. “This is an incredible opportunity,” Montgomery said in a statement. “I’ve always respected the Blues’ organizational culture, and I’m excited to bring my experience here to help build a championship-caliber team.”
While Montgomery’s hiring is seen as a strong move for the franchise, the decision came on the heels of a challenging start to the 2024-25 season for the Blues. Under Bannister, who had been appointed interim head coach in May 2024, the team posted an 8-9-3 record. Despite showing promise at times, the Blues were inconsistent, particularly in the offensive zone, which led to the decision to make a change. Bannister, who had guided the team to a strong finish in 2023-24, was given his walking papers as the Blues front office decided that the time was right for a new direction.
Montgomery’s coaching style is known for his ability to connect with players and develop offensive systems that make the most of a team’s attacking capabilities. This style aligns with the Blues’ current roster, which features dynamic players like Jordan Kyrou, Robert Thomas, and Brayden Schenn. Under Montgomery, there is a strong expectation that the team will see a boost in offensive output, which will be crucial for their playoff aspirations this season.
Since Montgomery’s hiring, the Blues have begun to show signs of improvement, posting a 6-2-2 record. Notably, Jordan Kyrou has been exceptional under the new coach’s system, scoring twice in a 4-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets on December 4, 2024. Robert Thomas also led the Blues to victory over the New York Rangers with a goal and an assist in a 3-2 win on December 16, 2024. The early success has created optimism around the team as they look to make a push for the postseason.
Blues general manager Doug Armstrong expressed confidence in the decision to hire Montgomery, saying, “Jim is an experienced and highly respected coach who knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level. We believe he is the right person to guide this team forward.”
As Montgomery settles into his new role, all eyes will be on the St. Louis Blues to see if they can regain their form and challenge for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference. The franchise, long known for its commitment to excellence, will look to Montgomery to bring that winning mindset back to St. Louis.
With a solid coaching pedigree and a fresh opportunity, Jim Montgomery’s tenure as the Blues’ head coach is just beginning, and the team and its fans are hopeful that the future is bright under his leadership.