For the second time in a week, an NHL team has decided to make a coaching change.
And for fans of the Detroit Red Wings who were hoping to see general manager Steve Yzerman announce a move, they'll have to keep waiting.
The St. Louis Blues have parted ways with Drew Bannister after a lackluster 9-12-1 record to begin the year, and they've hired a familiar face in his stead.
Jim Montgomery, who was fired by the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, has been hired by the Blues and signed to a five year contract.
It will mark his second go-around with the franchise with whom he served as an assistant coach from 2020 through 2022.
This also is the second time within a year that the Blues have fired a head coach.
Last December, they terminated Craig Berube after a lackluster start to last season, and replaced him with Bannister.
He led them to a record of 30-19-5 after taking over from Berube, though the team still missed out on a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Seven months ago, the Blues removed the interim tag from Bannister and named him their official head coach, signing him to a two-year contract.
But his time with the Blues is through after less than a full year into that deal.
Meanwhile, Montgomery brings the experience of having won the Jack Adams Trophy as the NHL's top coach for the 2022-23 season with the Bruins after winning 65 games.
Other head coaches reported to be on the hot seat include Derek Lalonde, Mike Sullivan, and Martin St. Louis.
POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 24 | 114 ANSWERS A second NHL head coach has been fired in less than a week Who will be the next NHL head coach to be fired? | ||
Derek Lalonde | 81 | 71.1 % |
Mike Sullivan | 14 | 12.3 % |
Martin St. Louis | 6 | 5.3 % |
Someone else | 13 | 11.4 % |
List of polls |