Jim Montgomery Ranks 16th Among NHL Coaches in Latest The Hockey News List

In a recent ranking by The Hockey News, St. Louis Blues head coach Jim Montgomery has secured the 16th spot among NHL coaches, a position that places him ahead of notable figures like Todd McLellan, Sheldon Keefe, and Marco Sturm. However, he finds himself trailing behind coaches such as Dan Muse, Peter Laviolette, and Rick Bowness.

Montgomery’s tenure with the Blues has been marked by highs and lows. He made an immediate impact upon his arrival, leading the Blues to the playoffs and pushing the Presidents’ Trophy winners to a dramatic Game 7 overtime. However, the 2025-26 season proved challenging, as Montgomery struggled to steer the team clear of a slow start, ultimately resulting in a failure to reach the playoffs.

With a year and a half now under his leadership, the pressure is mounting on the 57-year-old Montgomery to deliver results. He has recently brought in assistant coaches to help navigate the team through this pivotal period. Having previously guided the Boston Bruins to a record-setting season, where he won the Jack Adams Award, expectations for Montgomery remain high in St. Louis.

As noted by THN.com’s Adam Proteau, when Montgomery became available in November 2024, the Blues wasted no time in making a change, firing Drew Bannister just five days later. Montgomery had previously led the Bruins to an impressive 65-12-5 record during the 2022-23 season, making his hiring a strategic move for the Blues.

Despite the challenges faced in St. Louis, Montgomery is aware of the evolving dynamics within the team as they transition under new GM Alex Steen. The pressure is on him to improve upon the Blues’ disappointing 2025-26 record of 37-33-12, while also mentoring the younger players. As the competitive landscape of the Central Division looms, Montgomery’s ability to elevate the team’s performance will be pivotal.

As he enters his third season with the Blues, Montgomery is at a crossroads. A poor start could lead to significant changes, yet the organization remains confident in their coach’s capabilities. The upcoming season will be crucial for both Montgomery and the Blues as they aim to reclaim their place among the playoff contenders.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.