Blues Announce New Coaching Staff Additions Under Jim Montgomery

The St. Louis Blues have completed their assistant coaching staff for the 2026-27 season, officially adding Greg Cronin, Vaclav “Vinny” Prospal, and Jeremy Coupal to Jim Montgomery’s bench group. Elliott Mondou was also promoted to assistant to the general manager under Alexander Steen. The hires bring a blend of experience, offensive perspective, and modern video expertise as the organization continues to refine its structure heading into the new campaign.

The additions give the Blues a more specialized coaching setup, with each new member expected to handle distinct responsibilities ranging from defensive systems to forward development and game preparation. The moves also reflect a broader league-wide trend of deeper, more segmented coaching staffs designed to support day-to-day adjustments and long-term player growth.

Cronin’s Track Record Behind the Bench

Cronin arrives in St. Louis with one of the most extensive coaching backgrounds in professional hockey. His career spans nearly four decades across the NHL, American Hockey League (AHL), and NCAA, including recent head coaching experience with the Anaheim Ducks from 2023 to 2025.

Known for his structured approach to the game, Cronin has built a reputation around defensive responsibility, detail-oriented systems, and disciplined play without the puck. Throughout his coaching stops, he has emphasized habits in areas such as zone coverage, penalty killing, and defensive zone exits.

For the Blues, that skill set addresses a clear area of focus. The team has shown inconsistency in its defensive game in recent seasons, particularly in maintaining structure over full 60-minute performances. Cronin’s background suggests he will be tasked with reinforcing those habits and helping stabilize the team’s play in its own zone.

Beyond his NHL experience, Cronin has also held multiple roles at the AHL and collegiate levels, including head coaching positions at Northeastern University and the University of Maine. That range of experience gives him a strong developmental foundation, especially valuable for a roster that includes younger players adjusting to full-time NHL roles.

Prospal’s Offensive Mindset Joins the Staff

Prospal joins the Blues after three seasons as an assistant coach with the AHL’s Rochester Americans, where he helped guide a consistent playoff team while working closely with the club’s forward group. His transition into the NHL coaching ranks comes after a lengthy playing career that included more than 1,100 games.

As a player, Prospal was known for his creativity, puck control, and ability to generate offense in tight areas. He also brought strong hockey sense and adaptability, playing both center and wing during his career while contributing in multiple roles throughout his NHL tenure.

Those traits are expected to translate directly into his coaching responsibilities in St. Louis. Prospal is likely to work closely with the Blues’ forwards, focusing on offensive-zone structure, puck movement, and finishing plays. Special attention may also be placed on the power play, an area where the Blues have searched for more consistency and creativity in recent seasons.

His presence offers a different voice behind the bench, particularly for younger forwards who can benefit from a coach with direct experience producing offense at the NHL level. The organization is betting on his ability to bridge that gap between player instincts and structured systems.

Coupal Adds a Video-Driven Expertise

Coupal’s hiring reinforces the Blues’ investment in video analysis and game preparation. With experience in both the NHL and international hockey, he brings a modern approach to scouting, breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes preparation.

He has previously worked with the Edmonton Oilers and Nashville Predators, two organizations known for incorporating detailed video work into their daily routines. More recently, he has also been involved with Hockey Canada, gaining experience in international tournaments where quick adjustments and opponent familiarity are critical.

In St. Louis, Coupal’s role will center on video breakdowns, opponent scouting, and supporting game planning throughout the season. His work will be particularly important in preparing the team for matchups on short rest, as well as assisting coaches with in-game adjustments based on tactical shifts.

As the NHL continues to evolve, video coaching has become a key part of competitive advantage. Teams now rely heavily on rapid analysis between periods and even during games, making Coupal’s background a valuable addition to Montgomery’s staff.

A Staff Built on Defined Roles

Taken together, the hires reflect a clear strategy from the Blues: build a staff with specialized expertise rather than overlapping responsibilities. Cronin brings structure and defensive detail, Prospal adds offensive creativity and forward development, and Coupal strengthens analytical preparation and game planning.

The combination gives Montgomery a more versatile bench to work with, particularly in adjusting to in-game situations and managing player development across a long season. Each coach fills a specific need, allowing for more focused instruction and clearer communication with players.

As the Blues prepare for the 2026-27 season, these additions signal an effort to modernize behind-the-bench operations while maintaining a strong foundation of experience. The success of the group will ultimately be measured by how effectively those roles translate into improved consistency and execution on the ice.