job. Many of the team’s young players, whether it be Jeremy Swayman, Trent Frederic, Mason Lohrei, Matthew Poitras, Johnny Beecher, etc., have played very well in Montgomery’s system. He is a player’s coach, and that style works with this group.
It would be smart for both sides to reach a deal before the season starts. Montgomery deserves another contract.
But the Bruins do have a more important contract matter to get done, and that’s Swayman. The team’s No. 1 goalie is still a restricted free agent and is not joining the team at camp until his contract situation is resolved.
Jim Montgomery is going to take it one day at a time as head coach of the Bruins.
Montgomery’s future was a major storyline that came out of Bruins Media Day on Wednesday. General manager Don Sweeney confirmed the organization has had “talks” about a potential contract extension with Montgomery, who’s been at the helm since late June 2022.
The 2023 Jack Adams Award winner was asked how those conversations and an uncertain future in Boston would affect his coaching style this NHL season, and Montgomery made his mindset pretty clear.
“I don’t think it would affect me,” Montgomery told reporters, as seen on NESN. “Just being honest.”
Montgomery went on to explain how it would be hypocritical to think about his future during the season, as he’s always asking his Bruins players to stay in the moment.
The Black and Gold return to work Thursday when they will hold their first training camp practice of the new campaign. The B’s then will play their first preseason game Sunday evening when the New York Rangers visit TD Garden.
Before we get into the necessary offseason moves by the Boston Bruins, everyone has been asking whether the team should replace or retain coach Jim Montgomery after another disappointing Stanley Cup playoff exit.
The Bruins have enjoyed regular-season success under Montgomery during his two seasons in Boston. The team set new single-season records for points (135) and wins (65) in 2022-23 but suffered a first-round loss to the Florida Panthers and Boston’s historic season went all for naught. The Bruins finished second in the Atlantic Division with a 47-20-15 record for 109 points this season. After dismissing the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, Boston fell to the Panthers in six games and failed to advance to the Eastern Conference Final.
So, should the Bruins fire Montgomery?
More:Bruins will have to get better, tougher if they want to beat the Panthers.
