Is there a bigger presence in hockey than Pat Maroon? On the ice, he’s a player you hate to love. Always ready for a big hit, a big fight, a big play, or a big gesture.
You always hear about Maroon’s success, which is widely applauded. However, your appreciation increases when you see him play directly.
Although he only played one season with the Chicago Blackhawks, they will certainly take what they learned from him into their future amid the news of his impending retirement.
Maroon’s Leadership Means A lot to Blackhawks
Before the Blackhawks faced the St. Louis Blues on March 22, Maroon spoke with Blackhawks’ color commentator Darren Pang and emotionally indicated that it would be his last NHL season, saying, “I just know it’s time for me, and it’s time for my family to go start a new chapter in our lives.”
Maroon joined the Blackhawks as a free agent in July, as general manager Kyle Davidson wanted the team to be more competitive. Maroon came in knowing he would be bringing knowledge to their rebuild. Former head coach Luke Richardson called him a “sheriff” to help protect Connor Bedard, but he provided more than that.
Even though Maroon is not an “elite” player, he has been a bright spot. The fourth line of him, Lukas Reichel, and Craig Smith (who got traded to the Detroit Red Wings at the trade deadline) still have the most goals-for on the team with 10. He also has 16 points in 60 games.
Head coach Anders Sorensen was asked about what Maroon has brought to the team after the Blues game, “Lots of different elements. Obviously, on the ice, it’s one thing, but in the locker room, he’s great. With the younger guys, he’s awesome. [He] takes care of the younger guys, really makes sure they’re looked after, so good human being.”
One of the season’s best stories was back in December when Maroon took Reichel home with him for Christmas so he wouldn’t be alone. He even got the team’s game-winning belt for a fight that gave Chicago momentum. It’s evident how much he has meant to the Hawks.
Captain Nick Foligno said during the first intermission of the Blues game, “It’s pretty emotional. I’ve respected Patty from far. You know, what he’s meant to our group, what he’s probably meant to a lot of teams he’s played on. He’s a heart and soul-er. He’s the guy that you love to come to the rink and see every day. You’re sad for him because you know how much he loves the game, but you’re proud of him for what he’s accomplished in this game.”
During the CHSN broadcast, Rick Ball asked what it says about Maroon’s character, knowing the Blackhawks are out of the playoffs and it’s his last season, but he’s still dropping the gloves.
Pang responded, “Well, it says that he cares. You know what, and it disappoints him, for all the winning environments he has been in, that he’s not seeing it from everybody. That’s what we need here in Chicago. We need that. We need to care about every single shift, like he has. And people will say, “Oh, he’s too slow.” No, you know what, he gives the intangibles that so many don’t do it. Good for him.”
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Amen, Pang. There’s a reason why he’s beloved and why many teams sought his services. For the Blackhawks, he talked about being sick of losing nine games in (they had 7 losses at the time) and explained how they could fix it. He keeps the room together while also holding them accountable.
Maroon Leaves Great Legacy but Is Not Done Yet
Maroon said, “I have no regrets in this game. I’ve given it everything. I achieved everything I could. You know, St. Louis kid, growing up here, I was 352 games in the minors and 840 games in the NHL right now, and who would’ve thought that? I’m just happy, you know, I got to win in my hometown and go on to win two more [Stanley Cups]. I achieved everything I thought. I probably overachieved sometimes, but like I said, I was against all odds, and I beat the odds.”
But just because Maroon is soaking everything in doesn’t mean he will become complacent, either:
His teammates feel the same, as Foligno declared, “We’re going to try and play our asses off today for him and down the stretch.”
Who would’ve thought Chicago’s one-year veteran signing would be so integral? Maroon talked about being unable to write a better script than how the events transpired in St. Louis (despite Chicago’s 4-1 loss) with his family being there, with the Blues giving him a video tribute, to being named the first star of the game in his hometown for his last game at the Enterprise Center. But that’s the thing with Maroon. He’s always been the story- a sixth-round draft pick that won three Stanley Cups in a row.
The Blackhawks sure are grateful they got to experience having him on their side. He has been what they need. However, he’s not done writing the story yet. They still have 12 games left, and dang it, if he causes a raucous on his way out because that is the only way the “Big Rig” knows.
As he said about his career, “Everyone doubted me, and I wanted to put that doubt in everyone else’s face.”
Never change, Maroon. He indeed showed them.
