St. Louis Blues Make Shocking Coaching Change: Bannister Out, Montgomery In
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NHL, the St. Louis Blues have parted ways with head coach Drew Bannister and brought in Jim Montgomery as his replacement. The announcement, made by team president and general manager Doug Armstrong on Sunday, comes less than a year after Bannister took over the reins in St. Louis.
Bannister, who succeeded Stanley Cup-winning coach Craig Berube, had his interim tag removed after last season. However, the Blues’ rocky start to the 2024-25 campaign—losing 13 of their first 22 games—proved to be too much for the organization to overlook. The decision to make a change at this point in the season underscores the urgency felt by the Blues’ front office to turn things around.
Montgomery’s Return to St. Louis
Jim Montgomery is no stranger to the Blues organization. He previously spent two seasons as an assistant coach on Berube’s staff, gaining valuable experience before moving on to head coaching roles with the Dallas Stars and, most recently, the Boston Bruins. Montgomery’s tenure in Boston came to an abrupt end earlier this season when the Bruins let him go less than a quarter of the way through their schedule due to their own struggles.
Despite his recent dismissal, Montgomery’s coaching pedigree is undeniable. The Blues have signed him to a five-year contract, signaling their confidence in his ability to steer the team back on course. For Montgomery, this marks a homecoming of sorts, as he returns to a franchise where he previously made a strong impression as part of the coaching staff.
A Quick Turnaround for Bannister
For Drew Bannister, the dismissal is a tough pill to swallow. After taking over for Berube, who led the Blues to their first-ever Stanley Cup in 2019, Bannister faced the daunting task of maintaining the team’s competitive edge. Unfortunately, the results didn’t align with expectations, and his tenure in St. Louis has come to an abrupt end.
It’s worth noting that Bannister’s time with the Blues was brief, lasting less than a full year. The decision to move on from him so quickly highlights the high stakes and short leash that come with coaching in the NHL, especially for a team with a history of success like the Blues.
What’s Next for the Blues?
With Montgomery now at the helm, the Blues are hoping for a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose. The team’s struggles this season have been well-documented, but there’s still plenty of time to turn things around. Montgomery’s familiarity with the organization and his track record as a coach make him a logical choice to lead the team forward.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the situation:
- Record: The Blues have lost 13 of their first 22 games this season.
- Coaching Change: Drew Bannister is out, and Jim Montgomery is in.
- Contract: Montgomery has signed a five-year deal with the Blues.
- Background: Montgomery previously served as an assistant coach in St. Louis and has head coaching experience with Dallas and Boston.
For Blues fans, the hope is that Montgomery can replicate the success he’s had in previous stops and bring stability to a team that has struggled to find its footing this season. The decision to make a coaching change at this juncture is a bold one, but it’s clear that the organization believes Montgomery is the right man for the job.
Final Thoughts
Coaching changes are never easy, especially in the middle of a season. But for the St. Louis Blues, this move represents a chance to hit the reset button and chart a new course. With Jim Montgomery now in charge, the team has an opportunity to regroup and make a push for the playoffs. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off, but one thing is certain: the Blues are not content to sit back and let the season slip away.
As the NHL season continues to unfold, all eyes will be on St. Louis to see how this coaching change impacts the team’s performance. For now, Blues fans can only hope that Montgomery’s return to the organization will bring the spark they desperately need.
Originally Written by: N/A
