"Just not right": Paul Bissonnette calls out Bruins front office over lead up to Jim Montgomery firing

The Boston Bruins fired Jim Montgomery last Tuesday after a rough start to the 2024-25 season, with the team at 8-9-3. The move surprised many, given Montgomery’s success in his first two years with the team. In the 2022-23 season, he led the Bruins to a historic 65-12-5 record and won the Jack Adams Award as the league’s best coach.

Over two seasons, Montgomery had an impressive 120-41-23 record. However, his team struggled early this season, which led to his dismissal. Joe Sacco took over as the new coach.

On the "Spittin’ Chiclets" podcast on Tuesday, Paul Bissonnette criticized the Bruins’ front office for how they handled Montgomery.

"Monty was probably aware that plenty of teams had him on their list, so imagining that turning that down left them a little bit sour," Bissonnette said (18:00). "Along with comments from management saying that they thought the training camp was a little bit too laid-back and not on point, that was kind of the start."

Bissonnette also discussed rumors that Sacco was being considered as a replacement even before the season started.

"Then, one thing that kind of upset me, though, is that prior to the season beginning, it was said that if they started out rough, Sacco was going to end up getting the reins," Bissonnette said. "That almost puts a little bit of bad juju out there."

Bissonnette felt it was unfair to undermine Montgomery, given his strong regular season record.

"You're talking about a guy who, in his two years of being head coach, probably had a better regular-season record than anyone in the NHL," Bissonnette said. "To sprinkle that into the universe before going into his third year, after you just handled the Ullmark and Swayman situation... it's just not right."

Just five days after being fired, Jim Montgomery was hired as the new coach of the St. Louis Blues.

Jim Montgomery got hired by Blues in five days

Speaking to NHL.com, Jim Montgomery called the opportunity a "whirlwind" and expressed gratitude. He also talked about building strong relationships with players.

"A lot of emotions," Montgomery said on Monday. "I'm a firm believer when one door closes, another one opens if you do the right thing. And it's about your relationships in life. At the end of the day, when we're all done and retired and we're not fortunate enough and privileged enough to be in NHL buildings again, it's the relationships you have in your life."

The Blues signed Jim Montgomery to a five-year deal. Montgomery helped St. Louis to a 5-2 win in his debut against the New York Rangers on Monday.