Potential Coaching Change for the St. Louis Blues
In a potential move to enhance their coaching staff, the St. Louis Blues may soon welcome Vinny Prospal as an assistant coach under Jim Montgomery. This speculation rose during an episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, hosted by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who praised Prospal as a notable former NHL player. Friedman remarked:
“There’s talk out there he could be joining Jim Montgomery on the bench in St. Louis. They have some openings, and I think he’s a contender for one of those jobs.”
Prospal’s Coaching Experience
Prospal, who hung up his skates in 2013, has been active in coaching, most recently serving as an assistant with the Rochester Americans, the AHL team affiliated with the Buffalo Sabres. His impactful work on the power play contributed to the Amerks ranking third in their league for the power play in the 2025-26 season.
His coaching resume extends beyond the AHL, as he previously held the head coach position for HC Motor České Budějovice in the Czech Republic, where he notably led the team to promotion to the top league within two years. Additionally, Prospal’s international experience includes coaching for the Czech Republic at high-profile tournaments like the 2018 Olympics and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. He also gained experience as a pro scout for the New York Rangers during the 2013-14 season.
Prospal’s Playing Career
As a player, Prospal was a significant contributor in the NHL, amassing 255 goals and 765 points over 1,108 games with several teams, including notable spells at the Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and New York Rangers. His deep understanding of the game and prior success in nurturing player development could be essential for a Blues team looking to improve its performance.
Impact on the Blues’ Power Play
With the Blues’ power play historically struggling, ranked 26th in the NHL, bringing someone like Prospal on board could be a crucial step towards revamping this aspect of their game. The team has a roster filled with talented young players like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, and enhancing their offensive strategy could reinvigorate their scoring opportunities.
As the Blues aim for a more youthful and dynamic organization, Prospal’s appointment as an assistant could align with their goals.
Looking Ahead
Fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this potential hire unfolds, as Jim Montgomery gains the opportunity to curate his coaching team after his previous experiences where he couldn’t make those selections. For further updates on this story, and to engage with the community discussing the Blues, visit The Hockey News‘ website and subscribe to their newsletter.
