It didn’t take long for the former Boston Bruins coach to find a new job with the St. Louis Blues.
The Blues have been playing hardball in 2024, and quickly removing Montgomery from the unemployment line is another evidence of this.
Montgomery compiled a 120-41-23 record in just over two seasons with the Bruins and was widely recognized as one of the NHL’s best coaches. Montgomery was sacked following a bad start to the season, and it was expected he would not be out of work for long.
The Bruins had an 8-9-3 record when Montgomery was fired, and they have won their first two games since.
Bannister spent little time as the Blues’ head coach. During the 2023-24 season, he was named St. Louis’ new head coach when Craig Berube was sacked. The Blues removed Bannister’s interim status, making the 2024-25 season his first full year as an NHL head coach.
However, after 22 games this season, the Blues were presented with a better opportunity. In 76 games coached in St. Louis, Bannister had a 39-31-6 record.
The Blues currently have a 9-12-1 record in 22 games and are sixth in the Central Division. Expectations are low in St. Louis, but Montgomery on the bench should steer the team in the right direction.
Montgomery, according to Chris Johnston of the Athletic, has signed a five-year contract with the Blues. Bannister has one year remaining following the 2024-25 season. With a five-year contract, Montgomery will have plenty of time to shape the squad in his image.
