BREAKING NEWS: Former St. Louis Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock, whom also coach Dallas Stars, sent a stunning message to St. Louis Blues head coach Jim Montgomery concerning….see more

byIn a headline-grabbing moment that has the NHL community buzzing, legendary former head coach Ken Hitchcock—who led both the St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars to prominence—delivered a stunning and pointed message to current Blues head coach Jim Montgomery, raising questions about the franchise’s current identity and long-term trajectory.

Hitchcock, known for his no-nonsense approach and defensive-minded systems, spoke candidly during an interview on a local St. Louis radio show, where he was asked about the Blues’ recent performance and their rebuilding strategy.

“The Blues were once the hardest team to play against. Now, I’m not sure who they are anymore,” Hitchcock said. “Jim Montgomery is a smart coach, no doubt—but it’s time they decide if they want to be fast and flashy or strong and structured. Because right now, they’re stuck in between.”

The 2008 Jack Adams Award winner and Stanley Cup Champion with the Dallas Stars didn’t mince words as he elaborated on what he believes is a growing identity crisis within the St. Louis organization.

“When I coached in St. Louis, we built our game on toughness, discipline, and commitment to defense. The current team has talent, but talent alone doesn’t get you out of the Central Division. Montgomery’s got to bring back that fear factor—or someone else will.”

A Message or a Warning?

While some saw Hitchcock’s remarks as constructive criticism from a seasoned veteran of the game, others interpreted the comments as a veiled warning to Montgomery and Blues management.

Hitchcock’s message comes amid increasing scrutiny of the Blues’ inconsistency over the past two seasons, especially following early playoff exits and failed roster experiments. Montgomery, brought in to reignite the franchise’s edge, has faced mounting pressure to develop a cohesive team identity.

“Hitch isn’t wrong,” said one unnamed league executive. “The Blues don’t look like the heavy-hitting force they used to be. If they want to compete with Colorado, Dallas, or even Winnipeg, they need to find their heartbeat again.”

Blues Front Office Responds Quietly

So far, there has been no official response from Jim Montgomery, but sources close to the team say he is aware of the comments and views them as “motivational, not personal.” Montgomery, who had coaching stints with Dallas and Boston before taking over the Blues, is reportedly planning a more defense-oriented training camp this fall—possibly in response to criticisms like Hitchcock’s.

Fan and Player Reactions

• Ryan O’Reilly, a former Blues captain and Stanley Cup champion, tweeted: “Hitchcock always tells it like it is. He made us accountable. That’s what built a Cup team.”
• Blues fans across social media appear divided, with some defending Montgomery’s more modern style, while others echoed Hitchcock’s nostalgia for “old-school Blues hockey.”

The Road Ahead

As the 2025–26 NHL season approaches, one thing is certain: the St. Louis Blues will be under the microscope. With Hitchcock’s words now echoing through the franchise and media circuits, the pressure is on for Jim Montgomery to prove that he can revive the grit, edge, and identity that once made the Blues one of the league’s most feared teams.

Whether Hitchcock’s message was a challenge or a lifeline remains to be seen—but the ball is now firmly in Montgomery’s rink.