The Boston Bruins initiated the first coaching change of the 2024-25 NHL season by parting ways with Jim Montgomery after the team recorded an 8-9-3 start. This disappointing performance includes a current three-game losing streak, with the latest defeat coming against the Columbus Blue Jackets. During his tenure, Montgomery coached parts of three seasons with the Bruins, achieving a remarkable 120-41-23 record, which included a record-tying 65-win season in his inaugural year. Despite this impressive record, the decision to dismiss him reflects the team's regression and the disappointing early outcomes of the current season, signaling a need for a new voice behind the bench. Historically, NHL teams tend to hire and rehire established coaches, suggesting that Montgomery could soon find another opportunity within the league, given his successful track record and a career regular-season points percentage of .659, translating to an average of 108 points per season.

Among potential candidates for Montgomery's next coaching role is Derek Lalonde, who was hired by the Detroit Red Wings around the same time Montgomery joined the Bruins. Unlike Montgomery's success, Lalonde has faced mounting challenges in Detroit, where the team has now missed the playoffs for eight consecutive years and appears to be on track for a ninth. Six of those seasons have been under the stewardship of general manager Steve Yzerman, raising concerns as the Red Wings show signs of regression both offensively and defensively. With a roster that underwhelms and a lack of evident progression, a coaching change seems imminent in Detroit. Montgomery's reputation as a successful coach makes him an appealing candidate should the Red Wings decide to make a change.

In Nashville, the job security of Predators head coach Andrew Brunette appears tenuous as general manager Barry Trotz expresses dissatisfaction with the team's performance. The Predators entered the season with high expectations after a robust finish to the previous campaign and significant investments in high-profile players during the offseason, including Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei. However, the Predators now sit with the second-worst points percentage in the NHL (.395) after 19 games, a sharp deviation from expectations. Trotz has suggested the possibility of a roster overhaul if performance does not improve, yet such changes can be complex. In contrast, installing a new head coach could provide a fresh perspective, especially with Montgomery now available.

The Pittsburgh Penguins' struggles this season have sparked questions about head coach Mike Sullivan's future with the team. Sullivan, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Penguins, has not led the team to a playoff series victory since 2018 and is currently overseeing a roster struggling with a 7-10-4 record. Defensive issues have haunted the Penguins, highlighted by the team's tendency to relinquish multiple-goal leads throughout the season. Despite the franchise's success, the pressing need for improvement raises potential concerns about Sullivan's position. However, whether a coaching change would provide a sufficient remedy for the roster's challenges remains uncertain, particularly for a candidate like Montgomery, who may prefer more promising options.

The Montreal Canadiens made a notable decision to appoint Martin St. Louis mid-season in 2021-22 despite his limited coaching experience at higher levels. St. Louis has successfully nurtured some of the Canadiens' young talent, yet questions linger about whether a different coaching approach is needed to accelerate the team's rebuilding process. Interestingly, St. Louis is now the sixth-longest tenured head coach in the NHL, but the Canadiens' collective progress remains lacking, particularly in terms of defensive performance. With their defensive metrics ranking among the worst in the league, a change at the coaching position might be in order. Montgomery's connections to Montreal, including his fluency in French, could make him an attractive candidate should the Canadiens seek a new direction.

In Arizona, André Tourigny has been at the helm since the start of the 2021-22 season, positioning him as one of the longer-tenured coaches in the league. The franchise has undergone significant changes, including a relocation and ownership transition. Arizona has made substantial offseason investments to bolster the roster, yet the team's early season success has waned dramatically. With the risk of missing the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year looming, the pressure mounts on Tourigny. A fresh approach in coaching could benefit a team eager to establish its identity in a new market, positioning Montgomery as a compelling candidate for the role.

Meanwhile, Drew Bannister stepped into the role of head coach for the St. Louis Blues midway through the 2023-24 season, earning a contract extension following a commendable finish to that campaign. However, a dismal start to the current season raises questions about his job security. Montgomery has prior experience as an assistant coach with the Blues, where he previously contributed to enhancing the team's offensive performance. Given the current state of the Blues' offense, which struggles to find its rhythm, the possibility of reconnecting with Montgomery may warrant consideration as the franchise seeks to navigate its challenges.