The 2025–26 season is the first full season with Jim Montgomery taking over behind the bench. After leading the Blues to the first round of the playoffs after taking over mid-season, Montgomery will see what he can do in a full season.
Known for his structured systems, strong special teams, and an ability to get the most out of balanced rosters, Montgomery steps into a pivotal role as the Blues look to climb back into playoff contention.
The journey won’t be easy, but the NHL schedule has provided plenty of opportunities for Montgomery and the Blues to prove themselves early.
Early season test: opening at home
The Blues open their campaign on Oct. 9 against the Minnesota Wild at Enterprise Center, giving Montgomery his first chance to lead the team in front of a packed home crowd. October will be especially important, with seven of the first 11 games at home. That heavy home slate could set the tone for the season, or quickly expose weaknesses.
Rivalries will heat up right away, as the Blues face the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 15 and the Dallas Stars on Oct. 18, both within the first two weeks.
Key highlights on the schedule
Playoff Rematch: Dec. 17 vs. Winnipeg Jets — the first meeting since last year’s postseason clash.
Stanley Cup Champions in Town: Jan. 29 vs. Florida Panthers — a true measuring stick for Montgomery’s new system.
Blackhawks Rivalry Nights: Oct. 15 and Dec. 12 at Enterprise Center, plus Jan. 7 in Chicago.
Final Push: April closes with Central Division battles against Colorado, Winnipeg, Chicago, and Minnesota before the season finale in Utah on April 16.
The Olympic pause
The NHL schedule will halt from Feb. 5–25, 2026 for the Winter Olympics, giving Montgomery and his staff a midseason checkpoint. The break could benefit a team still adjusting to a new coach’s system, but it also means March and April will be packed with crucial games.
Montgomery’s blueprint
Montgomery inherits a roster with a mix of veteran leadership and young talent. The challenge will be finding the right combinations:
Can the Blues tighten up defensively after inconsistency last season?
Will their young forwards take another step under Montgomery’s guidance?
How quickly will his style translate into wins against tough Central Division opponents?
With 26 division games on the calendar, Montgomery’s ability to prepare the Blues for high-stakes rivalry nights will determine whether this season ends in a playoff berth.
MORE: Kaprizov’s charge: Wild face early gauntlet and March push
Looking ahead
The St. Louis Blues enter 2025–26 with fresh optimism and a demanding schedule. For Jim Montgomery, this season isn’t just about continuing to adjust to the locker room, it’s about laying down a foundation that can carry St. Louis back to contender status.
Fans won’t have to wait long to see how ready the Blues are. Opening night at Enterprise Center on Oct. 9 is the first page of what promises to be a fascinating story under a new head coach.
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