Grade the move - Hiring Jim Montgomery

[badbrewin]

I gave it a B+ based on his winning pedigree at all levels, known ability to develop young talent, implementing sound systems and the fact that I went to high school with the guy .

I would prefer to revisit this pool around Thanksgiving though based on the availability of a better sampling at that time.

 

[Cournoyer12]

Did you consider Cassidy an upgrade over Julien? Thing is every coach has a shelf life no matter how good someone thinks they are and it looked like Cassidy's time was up.

I'm sure Cassidy will do good in Vegas until he becomes stale then they'll move on and probably "downgrade" from him. Just the way the coaching game works.

To quote Bruce Boudreau “Coaches are hired to be fired “ , just the business I guess.

 

[Dellstrom]

Certainly depends on how well he meshes with the team but he was the right pick.

 

[PlayMakers]

A-

I liked all of the finalists but he was my top choice. They were all up and coming career coaches but Monty’s brief and successful stint with Dallas gave him the edge over the other guys. Good with kids, loved by all his players, respected by his peers and knows how to win.

That said I’m a little anxious about his systems, but looking forward tos seeing something new.

 

[PB37]

I wonder who the joker was that voted F

 

[Bradely]

Voted A... only because I wish it will be an A season. I don't know this guy, but the reading on him sounds good.

 

[08SeaBass08]

A-

I liked all of the finalists but he was my top choice. They were all up and coming career coaches but Monty’s brief and successful stint with Dallas gave him the edge over the other guys. Good with kids, loved by all his players, respected by his peers and knows how to win.

That said I’m a little anxious about his systems, but looking forward tos seeing something new.

This is completely where I'm at. I like Jay Leach a lot, but this is a better move, I think. I'm excited to see what he brings and rooting hard for him, both in the job and in his recovery. Seems like an easy guy to pull for.

I wonder who the joker was that voted F

I miss being able to see how everyone voted. These aren't elections, after all, so I don't really see a need for the secret ballot.

 

[Ginger Papa]

Hi my Bruins friends,

I’m always cheering for comeback stories and wish Montgomery all the best. I thought he did a great job with the Stars before his personal issues derailed him.

Nice hire

 

[DKH]

Uh oh he’s crushing the 80/20 rule

Probably because he’s an outsider

Kudos to those calling this - never ever thought it would be someone who doesn’t pronounce his ‘r’s’

 

[Patdud]

Its a good move for the transitional period the org is in. Not an all in vet heavy coach or a rebuild youth focused leader. someone who can bridge the gap and maybe squeeze more juice from this lemon...

 

[Ludwig Fell Down]

Hi my Bruins friends,

I’m always cheering for comeback stories and wish Montgomery all the best. I thought he did a great job with the Stars before his personal issues derailed him.

Nice hire
View attachment 564633

Thanks GP!

 

[chrisab123]

Pleasantly surprised. I'm very happy that he has zero ties to this organization.

 

[RoccoF14]

Kinda hard to grade the move when we don’t know what his roster is gonna look like, and he hasn’t coached a single game yet......no?

 

[WhalerTurnedBruin55]

Kinda hard to grade the move when we don’t know what his roster is gonna look like, and he hasn’t coached a single game yet......no?

Same thought, I don't understand how people can go either way until there is some tangible evidence of his affect on the roster.

People being happy about it is a pleasant surprise, but unlike players, you can't really watch a highlight reel of a coach and get a sense of how they will mesh/transform this team until it's on the ice.

Realistically, should re-do this poll maybe around Thanksgiving.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

Same thought, I don't understand how people can go either way until there is some tangible evidence of his affect on the roster.

People being happy about it is a pleasant surprise, but unlike players, you can't really watch a highlight reel of a coach and get a sense of how they will mesh/transform this team until it's on the ice.

Realistically, should re-do this poll maybe around Thanksgiving.

Because we’re grading the hire, not the coach’s performance.

If they hired Quinn how many posters would be saying we should hold off evaluating until Thanksgiving before giving a grade?

 

[chizzler]

Kinda hard to grade the move when we don’t know what his roster is gonna look like, and he hasn’t coached a single game yet......no?

Same thought, I don't understand how people can go either way until there is some tangible evidence of his affect on the roster.

People being happy about it is a pleasant surprise, but unlike players, you can't really watch a highlight reel of a coach and get a sense of how they will mesh/transform this team until it's on the ice.

Realistically, should re-do this poll maybe around Thanksgiving.

The question is on the hire not how good of a job he’s done.

 

[Spooner st]

Because we’re grading the hire, not the coach’s performance.

If they hired Quinn how many posters would be saying we should hold off evaluating until Thanksgiving before giving a grade?

I get Monty is a popular choice... and I agree with it. It's probably the only positive right now. IF Bergeron returns (No confirmation yet) it's positive for some since they get the chance to see him one more year... but, for others it delays 2 things.

First, it gives Sweeney more time to try to fix his by committee 2C and obviously another year to get a 1C. In other words instead of sinking on the hole he created he gets more time to dig it deeper. We all know... well some of us do Sweeney doesn't thrive while under pressure.

He'll probably overpay for a 2C thinking next year he'll bump him to 1C... just like he did with Coyle.

Second, Bergeron coming back delays the overdue rebuild and buys the FO time.

Monty, Quinn or ( insert name ) people would of react the same way, and grade the hiring. More negatives if it would be Quinn, but that would be it.

 

[Riverfront]

believe he is in a tough spot. with top player bergeron getting up there in age.
marchand & mCavoy injured.
following claude julien & bruce cassidy who both had tremendous runs here in boston.
always had competitive teams. If it starts of poorly for him he will be under fire for sure
with this fan base but he deserves sometime to put his strategy in place.

 

[Therick67]

I give it a B+. I thought for sure they'd go Quinn or Leach..

 

[RoccoF14]

The question is on the hire not how good of a job he’s done.

Well aren't the two questions the same? Great job = great hire. Or am I missing something?

 

[JCRO]

I love the hire.

My top guy was Paul Maurice. Montgomery was second.

B+ for now. Could easily become an A.

 

[chizzler]

Well aren't the two questions the same? Great job = great hire. Or am I missing something?

I guess it how you interpret the question. I think it was a good hire based on his credentials. You can never know how it turns out until the are in the job. So…. Good hire. Don’t know the answer to the second.

 

[TP70BruinsCup]

A

Looks like a fresh voice. Fresh start too. Good for him! Will have a tough year one with the injuries but give him a chance. Let’s see Sweeney now fix the bottom 6 to help Monty though.

 

[GoBs]

If I see more than one breakaway attempt per month for the Bruins, I'm sold.

Lol
I remember Jack throwing this out there “Bruins are fourth in the league for Breakaways allowed”
That is poor coaching and an easy fix