Doug Armstrong’s choice to rent Jim Montgomery as the brand new head coach of the St. Louis Blues may appear to be a masterstroke of strategic planning, nevertheless it got here at a price. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman lately shared insights on The FAN Hockey Present that make clear Armstrong’s calculated method, suggesting that Montgomery might have been the goal. Nonetheless, Drew Bannister, dismissed after simply 22 video games as head coach, seems to be little greater than collateral injury in Armstrong’s imaginative and prescient for the staff. The Blues is perhaps chasing rapid success, however what if Karma returns to even the rating?
Armstrong’s Ruthless Technique: Was Bannister Ever Given a Truthful Shot?
In keeping with Friedman, Doug Armstrong had been eyeing Jim Montgomery for over a 12 months. Bannister’s appointment as full-time head coach final summer season appeared to be a vote of confidence, however Armstrong’s watchful eye on Montgomery’s state of affairs in Boston suggests in any other case.
Montgomery grew to become out there when the Bruins canned him. As soon as that door opened, Bannister’s job with the Blues was expendable. Whether or not or not Bannister was performing to expectations, his dismissal appeared much less about his teaching capacity and extra about Montgomery’s alternative.
Was this a case of ruthless pragmatism on Armstrong’s half? Maybe. However within the course of, Bannister was put in a horrible spot. He had been given the job however solely lengthy sufficient to get replaced when one thing higher got here.
Collateral Harm: Drew Bannister’s Transient Tenure
Bannister’s time because the official head coach lasted 22 video games, a blink of an eye fixed for an NHL coach. Whereas his efficiency may not have been stellar, the circumstances recommend he was destined to fail. Friedman famous that Bannister’s place at all times appeared non permanent, a stopgap whereas Armstrong waited for his most well-liked candidate.
For Bannister, the impression on his profession could possibly be important. A dismissal early right into a tenure dangers tarnishing his status and alternatives for future NHL teaching roles. For the Blues, the choice speaks to a win-at-all-costs mindset—however at what value to the staff’s tradition, stability, and status?
Karma for the Blues: Will Armstrong’s Gamble Backfire?
Armstrong’s technique may yield short-term success if Montgomery delivers outcomes, however Karma can steadiness the scales. The Blues might face unintended penalties of such a swift and calculated transfer.
Nobody appears protected. Montgomery now faces immense strain to justify the upheaval. If the staff falters, critics will level to Armstrong’s transition dealing with and query whether or not the transfer was well worth the disruption. Moreover, how Bannister was handled might linger as a cautionary story. He doesn’t have a lot expertise as an NHL coach.
If I have been a coach and had a alternative, I might lean away from St. Louis. Any right-thinking particular person would do the identical. This choice will have an effect on the group’s capacity to draw and retain teaching expertise. In actual fact, wouldn’t it’s some justice if Montgomery left for a greater job someplace else the second he had the possibility?
The Skinny Line Between Daring and Ruthless
Armstrong’s choice to exchange Bannister with Montgomery exhibits the GM’s willingness to make daring, even ruthless strikes in pursuit of success. Nonetheless, treating Bannister as collateral injury raises questions on equity and ethics in skilled sports activities.
The transfer places Montgomery and the Blues within the highlight. Nonetheless, it additionally invitations the potential of karmic repercussions. If the gamble fails, Armstrong’s technique ought to face harsh scrutiny. In the long run, Armstrong’s method displays the high-stakes nature of NHL administration. That mentioned, the precise value may not be obvious till a lot later.
Right here’s hoping that Bannister finds one other teaching job and prospers.
Associated: Blues’ GM Offers Candid Rationalization for Montgomery Rent
