St. Louis Blues Hire Jim Montgomery as Assistant Coach Shortly After Bruins Exit
In a move that has drawn significant attention within the hockey community, the St. Louis Blues have brought on Jim Montgomery as an assistant coach mere days after his dismissal from the Boston Bruins. This surprising development underscores the swift turns in the NHL coaching carousel and highlights Montgomery’s continued high regard within the league despite his recent firing.
Montgomery, 54, found himself out of a job with the Bruins following a disappointing early playoff exit in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Boston, which had achieved record-breaking regular season success under his leadership, was shockingly eliminated in the first round, leading to a wave of criticism and Montgomery’s dismissal. Despite this setback, his reputation as a strong tactician and player-focused coach appears to have made him an attractive hire for the Blues.
#### A New Start in St. Louis
The Blues, aiming to revitalize their staff after a middling 2023-24 season, wasted no time in securing Montgomery. General Manager Doug Armstrong expressed confidence in the hire, describing Montgomery as a “proven leader” with the ability to help St. Louis climb back into playoff contention. Armstrong added, “Jim’s wealth of experience, both as a head coach and an assistant, will be an invaluable asset to our team as we work toward achieving our goals.”
Montgomery brings to the Blues a deep understanding of the game, honed over decades of playing and coaching. A former NHL player himself, Montgomery transitioned into coaching with stints in collegiate hockey, the American Hockey League, and the NHL. Notably, he served as head coach of the Dallas Stars before joining the Bruins.
#### Montgomery’s Brief but Impactful Tenure in Boston
While Montgomery’s tenure with the Bruins was short-lived, it was far from uneventful. Hired in 2022, he was tasked with rejuvenating a franchise that had seen mixed results in the seasons prior. Montgomery led Boston to an impressive regular-season performance in his debut year, setting an NHL record for wins and points.
However, the team’s inability to translate regular-season dominance into playoff success ultimately sealed his fate. The Bruins’ shocking Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers in the opening round of the 2024 playoffs was one of the most significant upsets in recent memory. This defeat, coupled with mounting pressure from fans and stakeholders, prompted Boston’s management to part ways with Montgomery despite his overall success.
#### Blues’ Optimism Amid a Fresh Start
The Blues are hopeful that Montgomery can bring some of the same innovative strategies and motivational skills he displayed in Boston to their organization. Head coach Craig Berube, who led St. Louis to a Stanley Cup victory in 2019, is reportedly enthusiastic about Montgomery’s addition to the staff, viewing it as a collaborative opportunity to reinvigorate the team.
Montgomery’s hiring comes at a time when the Blues are seeking to rebuild their identity. After missing the playoffs last season, the organization has been making strategic moves to address roster gaps and strengthen their competitive edge. Adding an experienced assistant like Montgomery is part of their broader strategy to return to contention.
#### A Second Chance
For Montgomery, this role represents a chance to rebuild his reputation and continue his coaching career in the NHL. His ability to bounce back after high-profile exits has been a hallmark of his career, reflecting resilience and adaptability.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Montgomery’s contributions influence the Blues’ performance in the upcoming season. His return to coaching so quickly after leaving Boston underscores his enduring value in the hockey world and raises questions about whether he might once again ascend to a head coaching role in the future.
As the 2024-25 NHL season approaches, both Montgomery and the Blues are looking to make the most of this fresh opportunity. For St. Louis, the addition of an accomplished coach is a sign of ambition and intent. For Montgomery, it’s the next chapter in a career filled with highs, lows, and the pursuit of excellence.
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### Jim Montgomery Joins St. Louis Blues Coaching Staff Shortly After Boston Bruins Departure
The St. Louis Blues have moved quickly to hire Jim Montgomery as an assistant coach, just days after he was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Boston Bruins. The decision to bring Montgomery aboard underscores his standing as a respected figure in the NHL despite his recent dismissal.
Montgomery’s exit from Boston followed a turbulent end to the team’s 2024 season. The Bruins, who achieved historic success during the regular season under Montgomery’s leadership, suffered a shocking first-round playoff elimination. This upset led to mounting criticism and ultimately cost Montgomery his job.
#### Revamping the Blues’ Coaching Team
St. Louis, coming off a disappointing campaign, seized the opportunity to add Montgomery’s expertise to their bench. General Manager Doug Armstrong praised Montgomery as a valuable asset, emphasizing his leadership qualities and extensive coaching background. Armstrong expressed optimism that Montgomery’s experience could help the Blues regain their competitive edge.
Montgomery’s coaching career spans multiple levels, including college, the AHL, and the NHL. After his time as head coach of the Dallas Stars, he joined the Bruins, where he quickly made an impact despite a brief tenure.
#### Montgomery’s Impact in Boston
In Boston, Montgomery led the Bruins to an NHL-record-breaking regular season in wins and points. However, the team’s inability to sustain that momentum in the postseason resulted in one of the most significant playoff upsets in recent history, as they were eliminated by the Florida Panthers.
Despite this setback, Montgomery’s innovative coaching style and strong rapport with players remain key attributes that the Blues hope to benefit from.
#### New Opportunities in St. Louis
Head coach Craig Berube, who guided the Blues to a Stanley Cup title in 2019, is reportedly eager to collaborate with Montgomery. The Blues, seeking to rebuild and return to playoff contention, view this addition as a pivotal step in their strategy.
