After leading the St. Louis Blues to a 30-19-5 record as interim head coach, Drew Bannister has officially been named as the full-time head coach of the team. The 50-year-old signed a two-year contract that gives him the opportunity to lead some organizational restructuring while also demonstrating his ability to maximize the talent on the roster. The expectation is for the Blues to continue contending for a playoff spot in the Western Conference under Bannister’s guidance.
Bannister took over as head coach after Craig Berube was fired in December, following the team’s 2019 Stanley Cup win. Despite finishing six points out of a playoff spot, Bannister’s performance impressed the team’s management, ultimately leading to his promotion to the full-time role. President of hockey operations and general manager Doug Armstrong expressed confidence in Bannister’s ability to lead the team, citing his progression and positive impact on the players during his interim stint.
This marks Bannister’s first head coaching position in the NHL, having previously coached the Springfield Thunderbirds in the American Hockey League, St. Louis’ top affiliate. Bannister, a former NHL player, expressed his excitement for the opportunity and his satisfaction with the progress made by the team under his leadership. Despite the disappointing end to the season, Bannister was pleased with the strides made by the players and the team as a whole.
The decision to retain Bannister as head coach comes amidst a flurry of coaching changes across the league. With 16 coaching changes occurring in the past year, Bannister’s appointment provides stability for the Blues in an uncertain coaching landscape. Armstrong confirmed that all assistant coaches would return under Bannister, who will be tasked with fostering relationships with the team’s leadership group, including captain Brayden Schenn and All-Star Robert Thomas. Armstrong expressed confidence in Bannister’s ability to shape the team’s future direction.
The announcement of Bannister’s full-time appointment came shortly after the Ottawa Senators hired former New Jersey interim coach Travis Green, further solidifying the coaching positions around the league. As the offseason unfolds, there may be more coaching changes on the horizon, particularly following disappointing playoff exits. Armstrong praised Bannister’s performance in a challenging situation last season and emphasized his excitement for the upcoming training camp and two-year term to allow Bannister to imprint his style on the team.
Moving forward, Bannister will focus on building on the progress made last season and continuing to develop the team’s core group of players. With a full training camp and a two-year contract, Bannister has the opportunity to establish himself as a long-term leader for the Blues and guide the team towards sustained success. The organization is hopeful that Bannister’s experience and vision will propel the Blues to further success in the upcoming seasons.
