NHL: Boston Bruins at Arizona Coyotes - Source: Imagn — Jim Montgomery talks abiout joining St. Louis Blues (Source: Imagn)

Jim Montgomery reveals Blues GM Doug Armstrong’s persuasion tactics to bring him back as St. Louis coach

Modified Nov 26, 2024 01:18 GMT

Jim Montgomery is back as head coach of the St. Louis Blues after being fired by the Boston Bruins earlier in November. Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong moved quickly, calling Montgomery shortly after his dismissal.

Armstrong explained why the Blues needed him, outlined his vision, and offered a five-year contract. Montgomery accepted the opportunity without hesitation.

“When you get a phone call and you hear Doug Armstrong’s plan and how you’re a big part of it, that makes you feel it is the right place to go,” Montgomery said per Seattletimes.com, “The best line that put his hooks into me is, ‘When something delicious falls on my plate, I eat.’ I don’t know. I guess I was a T-bone that day.”

Jim Montgomery’s familiarity with the Blues organization made the decision easier. He was an assistant coach with the team from 2020 to 2022. 15 current players worked with him during that time, including key leaders like Brayden Schenn, Robert Thomas and Justin Faulk.

“I have worked with over half this lineup already, and I know how committed they are. For me, this was a no-brainer for me to come back home.” Montgomery said of the Blues.

“I believe in this group,” Montgomery added. “It’s not easy to make the playoffs in this league. Half the teams miss it. But I do think that in time this is a caliber playoff team.”

The Blues are struggling this season, sitting sixth in the Central Division. They rank near the bottom of the league in scoring and goals allowed. Montgomery’s task is to turn things around and the five-year contract gives him the freedom to do that.

Doug Armstrong on Jim Montgomery's hiring

Jim Montgomery’s coaching journey has been eventful. He led the Bruins to a record-breaking season in 2022-23 and won the Jack Adams Award. He had a record of 120-41-23 during his time with the Bruins. Despite a poor start this season, his return to St. Louis gives him a fresh opportunity.

Blues president of hockey operations and general manager Doug Armstrong has faith in Montgomery.

"This was more an opportunity to get someone of Jim's caliber more than anything else," Armstrong said per NHL.com. "... this decision was based, I would say, 100 percent on having someone of Jim's caliber becoming available when I didn't know that was going to happen."

Jim Montgomery is ready to help the St Louis Blues improve from a 9-12-1 record this season.