The St. Louis Blues have made some exciting additions to their coaching staff, bringing in three new assistant coaches for the 2026-27 season. Greg Cronin, Vaclav "Vinny" Prospal, and Jeremy Coupal are set to join forces with Head Coach Jim Montgomery, adding a wealth of experience and expertise to the team.
A Trio of Experienced Coaches
Greg Cronin: A seasoned coach with nearly 40 years of experience, Cronin has worked in various roles across the NHL, AHL, and NCAA. His most recent stop was as head coach of the Anaheim Ducks, where he left a lasting impact. Cronin's defensive strategies and penalty kill expertise are sure to be invaluable to the Blues' veteran and young players alike. His time as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs further showcases his ability to adapt and succeed in different roles.
Vaclav Prospal: Prospal brings a unique offensive mindset to the team, having served as an assistant coach for the AHL's Rochester Americans. His success in helping the team qualify for the postseason and his impressive regular-season record speak to his ability to develop and lead players. As a player, Prospal's 16-year career and his ranking among Czechia-born players in NHL history highlight his talent and impact on the ice. His international success, including leading the Czech team to gold at the 2000 and 2005 World Championships, further cements his status as a skilled and respected coach.
Jeremy Coupal: Coupal's expertise lies in the realm of video coaching, and his work with Team Canada at the 2025 and 2026 Spengler Cups showcases his unique skillset. His previous experience with the Edmonton Oilers and Nashville Predators as a video coach and coordinator, respectively, demonstrates his ability to provide valuable insights and analysis to the team. Coupal's contributions will undoubtedly enhance the Blues' overall performance and strategy.
A Strong Foundation
The Blues' coaching staff already had a solid foundation with David Alexander as director of goaltending and Ryan Stacy as video coordinator. The addition of these three coaches further strengthens the team's ability to develop and execute strategies, both defensively and offensively. Montgomery's faith in this group of coaches is evident, and the potential for a successful season ahead is high.
Looking Ahead
As the Blues prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Cronin, Prospal, and Coupal brings a sense of excitement and anticipation. Their collective experience and unique skill sets will undoubtedly contribute to the team's success. With a strong coaching staff in place, the Blues are poised to make a run at the playoffs and potentially further their success in the NHL.
In my opinion, this move by the Blues is a strategic and forward-thinking approach to building a competitive team. The combination of defensive expertise, offensive creativity, and video analysis will be a powerful tool for Montgomery and his staff. The future looks bright for the Blues, and fans can expect an exciting and competitive season ahead.
