Many NHL fans are familiar with Pat Maroon’s journey from being a fourth-line player to winning three consecutive Stanley Cups before joining the Chicago Blackhawks. He has consistently been a favorite among teammates due to his veteran experience, which is why general manager Kyle Davidson signed him to a one-year deal in July and why head coach Luke Richardson expressed his excitement about the addition, stating, “It’s hard to find those guys.”
**Pat Maroon’s Role with the Blackhawks**
When fans think of Maroon, they often picture him as an enforcer, or a “sheriff,” as described by Richardson. While he excels in that capacity, Maroon believes he can contribute even more to the Blackhawks. He mentioned to Phil Thompson of the Chicago Tribune on October 28, “Connor [Bedard] is Connor. Whatever happens, I’ll be there. I’m not here to navigate Connor and protect him. I’m here to play my game and help in the room, and if I need to fight, I fight.”
One notable play was against the Winnipeg Jets, where he assisted on a pass that went to Andreas Athanasiou. Although offense isn’t his primary strength, Maroon has shown he can score, achieving a career-high of 42 points with the Edmonton Oilers in the 2016-17 season, and he’s started strong with the Blackhawks in terms of depth contributions.
After the Blackhawks’ 4-2 loss to the Stars, which added to a four-game losing streak, Maroon voiced his frustration, stating, “I’m sick of losing.” He then bounced back with a solid performance against Colorado, helping to end the losing streak. This type of veteran leadership is exactly what the Blackhawks were hoping to gain by signing him.
While the Maroon experience isn’t without its flaws—sometimes leading to penalties and mistakes—his early performance suggests that he can offer the team more than initially anticipated.
