“Smart move” “Is this the quickest fired to hired”: NHL fans react as Blues fire Drew Bannister to hire Bruins ex-coach Jim Montgomery

NHL fans were surprised when the St. Louis Blues fired coach Drew Bannister and hired Jim Montgomery just five days after Montgomery was let go by the Boston Bruins. NHL insider Frank Seravalli shared the news on X, saying:

"Wow. #stlblues have fired Drew Bannister and hired Jim Montgomery. Montgomery returns to St. Louis, where he previously served as an assistant, just five days after being fired in Boston."

Following Seravalli's post, NHL fans began reacting to it on X.

"Is this the quickest fired to hired ever for a coach in the @NHL?" One fan questioned.

"Smart move!" A fan shared their thoughts on the move.

"Julien - hired by Habs 7 days after being fired Cassidy - hired by VGK 8 days after being fired Montgomery - hired by STL 5 days after being fired Uhh wtf @NHLBruins ?!" A fan compared the timeline to other coaching changes.

Fans familiar with Montgomery’s past with the Blues seemed happy with the change. Take a look at some more reactions from fans on X.

"Could see this coming a mile away. Bannister's 2 year deal lined up with the Steen take over and contracts expiring. He was a place holder and Jim was great here," one fan said.

"OH MY GOD WE DID SOMETHING GOOD," a fan showed excitement.

"Now that’s taking action," another fan said.

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Jim Montgomery takes on new role as coach of the St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues have announced that Drew Bannister is no longer their coach. They have hired Jim Montgomery, 55, as his replacement. Montgomery is well-known for his recent success with the Boston Bruins.

In the last two seasons, he helped the Bruins achieve the best regular-season records in the NHL. The 2022-23 season was particularly historic, with 135 points and 65 wins. Montgomery earned the Jack Adams Award for Coach of the Year that season.

Before joining the Bruins, Montgomery coached the Dallas Stars, where he had a 60-43-10 record. He also spent time with the Blues as an assistant coach from 2020 to 2022. During this time, the team posted a 76-42-20 record.

Montgomery began his coaching career in college, including a successful run at the University of Denver, where he won an NCAA National Championship in 2017.

As a player, Montgomery had a 12-year career, including a season with the Blues. He also played in Germany and Russia. Montgomery now takes on a new role as head coach of the Blues.