Cronin, Prospal join Blues as assistant coaches
The St. Louis Blues have hired Greg Cronin and Vaclav “Vinny” Prospal as assistant coaches on multi-year contracts for the 2026-27 season, the team announced. The organization also signed Jeremy Coupal as assistant coach for video and promoted Elliott Mondou to assistant to general manager Alexander Steen.
These additions complete the coaching staff for Head Coach Jim Montgomery. David Alexander will return as director of goaltending and Ryan Stacy remains the video coordinator, according to the team.
Who are the new assistant coaches for the Blues?
Greg Cronin, 63, joins the staff with nearly 40 years of coaching experience across the NHL, AHL, and NCAA. He most recently served as head coach of the Anaheim Ducks from 2023 to 2025 and led the AHL’s Iowa Wild last season to a 27-36-9 record.
Vaclav “Vinny” Prospal, 51, spent the previous three seasons as an assistant coach with the AHL’s Rochester Americans. The team qualified for the postseason in each of those three seasons, posting a regular-season record of 112-76-28.
Jeremy Coupal, 37, joins the team after serving as the video coach for Team Canada, including roles at the 2025 and 2026 Spengler Cups. Coupal previously spent seven seasons with the Edmonton Oilers and three seasons with the Nashville Predators.
Did You Know? Vaclav Prospal is one of the most prolific Czechia-born players in NHL history, ranking sixth in career games (1,108) and seventh in career points (765).
Why these hires matter for the 2026-27 season
Head Coach Jim Montgomery described the new hires as “elite coaching talent.” He stated that Cronin is a “skilled teacher of defensive habits and the penalty kill” who can assist both veterans and young players.
Montgomery noted that Prospal brings a “creative offensive mind” based on his playing success on the power play and five-on-five. This expertise is intended to support the Blues’ forward group and power play units.
The addition of Coupal provides the team with a high-end video skillset, which Montgomery said the organization is fortunate to bring back to the NHL.
Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that by pairing Cronin’s defensive focus with Prospal’s offensive pedigree, Montgomery is attempting to build a balanced tactical approach. The move to promote Elliott Mondou further suggests a desire for continuity within Alexander Steen’s management structure.
What happens next for the coaching staff?
The Blues may now focus on integrating these specific special teams roles into their training camp. Cronin could be expected to lead the overhaul of the penalty kill, while Prospal may take a primary role in designing power play schemes.
The promotion of Elliott Mondou to assistant to the general manager likely shifts the team’s internal video operations under the direction of Jeremy Coupal and Ryan Stacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the general manager of the St. Louis Blues?
Alexander Steen is the general manager, and Elliott Mondou has been promoted to serve as his assistant.
What is Greg Cronin’s coaching history?
Cronin has served as head coach for the Anaheim Ducks, Iowa Wild, Colorado Eagles, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Northeastern University, and the University of Maine, along with assistant roles for the New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs.
What playing experience does Vaclav Prospal bring?
Prospal played 16 seasons in the NHL and represented Czechia in international play, winning a bronze medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics and gold medals at the 2000 and 2005 World Championships.
How do these coaching additions change the outlook for the Blues’ 2026-27 season?