BREAKING NEWS: St. Louis Blues Name Jim Montgomery Head Coach on Five-Year Deal
April 16, 2025 – St. Louis, MO — In a bold move signaling a new era for the franchise, the St. Louis Blues have officially hired Jim Montgomery as their new head coach on a five-year contract. The announcement was made following the dismissal of Drew Bannister, who had been serving as the team’s head coach since December 2023 and was officially promoted in May 2024.
Montgomery, 55, brings an impressive résumé to the Gateway City, having most recently served as the head coach of the Boston Bruins. His tenure in Boston was highlighted by a record-breaking 2022–23 season, during which the Bruins posted the best regular-season record in NHL history, earning the Presidents’ Trophy. Under his leadership, the Bruins became known for their structured play, elite special teams, and disciplined two-way hockey. Though postseason success eluded them, Montgomery’s impact was undeniable.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jim Montgomery to the Blues organization,” said Blues general manager Doug Armstrong in a statement. “Jim is a proven winner with a strong track record of developing talent and building a winning culture. We believe he is the right person to guide our team back to championship contention.”
The coaching change comes after a rocky start to the 2024–25 season. Despite a promising run under Bannister late last season, which saw the team finish 30-19-5 after he took over, the Blues struggled out of the gate this year. Inconsistencies in both offensive production and defensive coverage led to mounting losses, and ultimately, the front office decided a fresh voice was needed behind the bench.
Montgomery inherits a team with a mix of veteran leadership and emerging young talent. Captain Brayden Schenn remains a pivotal figure in the locker room, while players like Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas continue to develop into offensive threats. The challenge for Montgomery will be instilling his system quickly and efficiently, with the goal of climbing back into playoff contention before the season slips away.
“I’m honored and excited to join the Blues,” Montgomery said during his introductory press conference. “This is a proud franchise with a passionate fanbase, and I’m committed to bringing consistency, accountability, and a winning mindset to this team. There’s a lot of potential in this room, and I can’t wait to get to work.”
The Blues have already responded under Montgomery’s leadership. In just a few weeks since his hiring, the team has begun to show signs of turnaround, including a dominant 6–1 win over the Montreal Canadiens on March 25. Early indications suggest the players are buying into his message, and the locker room energy has noticeably shifted.
Montgomery’s arrival marks a crucial chapter for the Blues, who are looking to recapture the magic of their 2019 Stanley Cup run. With his experience, poise, and strategic acumen, Blues fans have reason to hope brighter days lie ahead.