Pat Maroon’s days as a top scorer were behind him this past season, but the Chicago Blackhawks didn’t bring him in to put up numbers like the 27 goals he tallied in Edmonton or the 28 assists he once recorded in St. Louis.
Instead, they relied on his leadership and experience as a three-time Stanley Cup champion to guide their young roster.
In that role, Maroon thrived. While Lukas Reichel remained inconsistent, he often looked more confident when paired with Maroon, who quickly became a player the team’s prospects looked up to.
Maroon also kept the group focused during big moments, such as when Alex Ovechkin was chasing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record against Chicago—a game in which Ovechkin tied the mark.
His respect around the league was evident when Winnipeg Jets players lingered after his final NHL game just to shake his hand.
Though no longer a star on the scoresheet, Maroon still contributed 19 points and never hesitated to step in physically to defend his teammates.
Pat Maroon
Now retired, Maroon is taking his mentoring skills into coaching. He has joined the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL—the reigning 2025 Clark Cup champions—as an assistant coach.
It’s a fitting role for someone who carved out his NHL career the hard way and earned a reputation as a reliable veteran coveted by contenders.
His championship pedigree and perseverance should resonate with the teenagers he’ll now be helping develop.
Pat Maroon
Many expected Maroon to pursue broadcasting after making appearances on TNT’s playoff coverage, where his charisma suggested a future in media.
But his recent success guiding players like Reichel may have steered him toward coaching first.
Either way, the Lumberjacks stand to gain from his presence, and Maroon appears poised for another successful chapter in hockey—whether behind the bench or, someday, in front of the camera.
