Should the Canadiens explore a Jim Montgomery hiring after Bruins firing?

It's no secret that the Montreal Canadiens value having a head coach with ties to the city and province. The last time the Canadiens had a coach who wasn't from Quebec was in 2011-2012, when Randy Cunneyworth led the team for 50 games. Before that, it was Al MacNeil in 1970-71. It's why Jim Montgomery became a coach to watch when the Boston Bruins fired him on Tuesday. The Canadiens aren't necessarily moving on from Martin St. Louis, but there have been talks about the team needing more experience behind the bench.

Montgomery grew up in Montreal. He played 122 NHL games, five of them with the Canadiens. Montreal traded him to the Philadelphia Flyers later in that season, but he still treasures his experience with his hometown team. Montgomery could value moving close to home and working with the Canadiens, even though it may not initially be in a head coach role.

Montgomery had plenty of success with the Bruins, which made his firing even more surprising. The roster around him was the main reason for Boston's slow start, but Montgomery took the fall. He uses a more offensive system, which began to have flaws in Beantown with their lack of forward depth. Montgomery's coaching method could greatly benefit Montreal's young players coming into its pipeline.

Montgomery has been an assistant coach in the league. Before taking the Bruins job, he joined Craig Berube's staff with the St. Louis Blues from 2020 to 2022. Berube credited Montgomery for much of his success in those two seasons, and he likely could've been a candidate to join Berube again if they hadn't just signed Marc Savard to occupy the same role.

It wouldn't be a surprise if Kent Hughes at least asked Montgomery about taking on a role in the organization. He could be the coach in waiting if St. Louis continues to falter, or it'd be a place to keep him occupied until his next role. It would be valuable for the Habs to have a coach like Montgomery in the organization.

Montgomery and Hughes also have a connection after growing up together in Quebec at the same time. Montgomery's reasons for joining this organization are limitless. Keep an eye out, as this partnership could happen sooner rather than later.