Berube Rejoining the Blues as an Assistant Coach Could Be an Interesting Option – The Hockey Writers – St Louis Blues

The NHL coaching carousel never truly stops, and when a coach like Craig Barbue becomes available, it immediately draws attention around the league. His departure from Toronto puts him back into the spotlight and naturally sparks speculation about what comes next.

One idea stands out, even if it feels unlikely at first glance. A reunion with the St. Louis Blues.

Berube’s connection to St. Louis runs deeper than a typical coaching stint. He originally joined the Blues organization in 2016, when he was named head coach of their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. He later moved up to the NHL staff as an associate coach in 2017, before being named interim head coach in 2018.

From there, he took over the full-time role during the 2018-19 season and remained behind the bench through the 2023-24 season, mostly known for leading the Blues to their first Stanley Cup in franchise history in 2019. That run defined one of the most successful eras in franchise history and cemented his place within the organization.

A Real Opening With the Blues

The idea becomes more than just talk when you look at the current situation. The Blues now have two open assistant coach positions, giving Jim Montgomery a real opportunity to reshape his staff. With multiple openings, this is not just about filling a vacancy; it is about building a group that can help guide the team forward.

Montgomery’s connection to Berube adds another layer. Having previously served on his staff in St. Louis, there is already a level of trust and familiarity in place. That kind of relationship can make a transition smoother compared to bringing in someone completely new.

For a team trying to find consistency, that matters.

Berube’s Connections

The ties do not stop behind the bench. Alexander Steen is set to take on a larger role in the front office as general manager (GM), and he played under Berube during the Blues’ most successful years, including the 2019 Cup run. That shared experience creates another natural connection.

There is also a direct coaching connection behind the bench. Montgomery spent two seasons working under Berube from 2020 to 2022, where he ran the penalty kill and worked on the defensive side of the puck. He then left to become the head coach of the Boston Bruins.

Berube understands the expectations in St. Louis. He knows the market, the culture, and what it takes to win there. Those are not small factors when evaluating potential additions to a coaching staff.

The Reality of the Situation

Even with all of that, this remains a long shot. Berube is a Stanley Cup-winning head coach, and that alone will generate interest from teams looking to fill top jobs. It is far more likely that he is considered for another head coaching role rather than stepping into an assistant position.

There is also the financial reality of his situation. Berube still has two years remaining on his contract at $4.5 million per season, leaving approximately $9 million total owed. That gives him significant flexibility to be selective and potentially wait for the right head coaching opportunity rather than rushing into a new role immediately.

Still, this is not something the Blues should completely dismiss. They are a team searching for consistency and identity as they continue to transition from their championship core. Adding a voice like Berube’s could immediately reinforce accountability and structure inside the locker room.

This would not be about revisiting the past. It would be about bringing in someone who has proven he can succeed in St. Louis and can help push the team in the right direction. With two assistant roles available, the Blues have flexibility.

That alone makes this scenario more realistic than it would be in most situations.

A Long Shot Worth Watching

There are challenges to making something like this work. Bringing a former head coach back into the organization in a different role requires clear expectations. Montgomery would need full control, and Berube would need to fully embrace a supporting position. If both sides are aligned, though, the potential benefit is real.

A reunion between Berube and the Blues is not the most likely outcome, but it is far from impossible. Given the openings on the staff, the relationships in place, and the team’s current needs, it is at least a conversation worth having.

Sometimes the ideas that seem unlikely at first are the ones that deserve a closer look.