Jim Montgomery has been appointed as the new head coach of the St. Louis Blues, just five days after his firing from the Boston Bruins. He replaces Drew Bannister on a five-year deal following a tumultuous season with the Bruins, where Montgomery led the team to a record-setting 2022-23 but faced playoff disappointments. Despite a strong winning percentage of .715 during his tenure, the Bruins struggled this season, prompting the coaching change. Montgomery's connection to St. Louis runs deep, as it was his first professional organization and his family holds ties to the area.

By the Numbers
  • Montgomery's Bruins had a winning percentage of .715 during his tenure.
  • The Blues currently have a record of 9-12-1 and are outside the playoff picture.
Yes, But

While Montgomery had success in the regular season with the Bruins, his playoff performance raised concerns. The Blues will need to address their ongoing struggles to remain competitive in the Western Conference.

State of Play
  • The Blues recently defeated the Bruins 3-2 in overtime, indicating potential for improvement.
  • Under interim head coach Joe Sacco, the Bruins improved defensively and on the penalty kill.
What's Next

Montgomery must quickly adapt to his new role and improve a struggling Blues team, which is still in playoff contention. His past achievements suggest he could lead the team back to competitiveness if he replicates previous successes.

Bottom Line

Jim Montgomery’s swift hire reflects both his prior success and the Blues' urgent need for turnaround. His track record offers hope for improvement, but overcoming the current challenges will be crucial for achieving playoff potential.