In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren spotlight one of the most resilient turnarounds of the 2024–25 season: the St. Louis Blues.

After a rough start under Drew Bannister, the Blues handed the reins to Jim Montgomery—and never looked back. A remarkable 35-18-7 run followed, including a 12-game winning streak that pushed them into the playoffs. Though their season ended in heartbreak—blowing a two-goal lead in the final minutes of Game 7 vs. Winnipeg—the Blues showed serious promise.

With savvy offseason additions, consistent goaltending, and a rock-solid system, the Blues are building a team that no one wants to play against. Montgomery’s influence is already turning heads.

🧊 IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Recap: 96-point season, heartbreaking Game 7 playoff exit

[00:45] Coaching change: Jim Montgomery takes over, massive impact

[01:30] Key offseason additions: Pius Suter, Nic Dowd, Logan Mailloux

[02:15] The Mailloux move: Fresh start after off-ice controversy

[03:00] Goalie news: Joel Hofer re-signs as backup to Binnington

[03:30] Notable exits: Radek Faksa (DAL), Nick Leddy (SJS), Lucic tryout

[04:30] Youth watch: Dylan Holloway injury recovery, Snuggerud’s potential

[05:30] Offense by committee: Neighbors, Kyrou, Thomas, Blais

[06:30] Solid defense: Faulk, Parayko, Broberg, Fowler

[07:15] Where do the Blues fit in the Central?

[08:15] Tribute to John Kelly: Longtime play-by-play voice let go after 21 years

[09:00] Simulcast changes and legacy impacts

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Jim Montgomery’s arrival changed everything. His system revived a stagnant team, sparking a massive second-half push that nearly took out the top-seeded Jets.

The Blues added smart depth in Pius Suter and Nic Dowd and traded for a big, talented defenseman in Logan Mailloux—giving him a fresh start away from the Montreal spotlight.

Their young core is growing. Holloway’s health and Snuggerud’s next step could determine the ceiling of this team.

Montgomery has the room, and players have bought in. The Blues aren’t elite—but they’re dangerous.

Off the ice, the loss of John Kelly is seismic. The longtime play-by-play voice is a legend in St. Louis, and his departure is as emotional as it is confusing.

🎯 FINAL WORD:

The Blues may not have made massive free-agent headlines, but they didn’t need to. They’re building on momentum, buying into Montgomery’s system, and shaping a team that can make life miserable for any opponent. If they stay healthy and young players step up, expect St. Louis to punch above their weight once again.

And as fans adjust to new voices in the broadcast booth, they can rest easy knowing Montgomery still has his on the bench.

🔗 RESOURCE LINKS:

🎥 YouTube: NHL Wraparound Channel

🐦 X (Twitter): @NHLWraparound

🎤 Neil Smith: @NYCNeil

📘 Vic Morren: Vic on LinkedIn

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