playing career may be over, but his impact on the game is far from finished. After hanging up his skates, the three-time Stanley Cup champion has chosen to return to the ice in a different way — as an assistant coach for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL, the league’s reigning Clark Cup champions.
During his final season with the Chicago Blackhawks, Maroon’s value went beyond goals and assists. While he chipped in 19 points and provided toughness, his true legacy came from mentoring the team’s young players. Rising talents like Lukas Reichel often thrived under his guidance, and his leadership in moments like Alex Ovechkin’s record chase showed just how much his presence meant to the locker room.
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Respected across the league — so much so that even opponents stopped to shake his hand after his final NHL game — Maroon is now bringing that same influence to a younger generation. His journey from fighting for a roster spot to becoming a reliable veteran sought by contenders makes him a powerful role model for teenagers trying to carve out their own hockey futures.
Though many believed he might move into broadcasting after strong appearances on TNT’s playoff coverage, Maroon instead chose to embrace coaching, a role that allows him to directly shape players both on and off the ice. With his championship pedigree and reputation as a selfless leader, the Lumberjacks are adding more than a coach — they’re adding a culture-builder.
For Maroon, it’s the start of a new chapter, one that ensures his reputation and influence will continue to elevate every team he touches.
