For Patrick Maroon, a St. Louis native born on April 23, 1988, the road to NHL success wasn't paved with early stardom, but with perseverance and the eventual embrace of a role that would define his career. Drafted late in the sixth round, 161st overall, by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2007, Maroon's early professional years were spent honing his skills in the American Hockey League (AHL). After being traded to the Anaheim Ducks, it wasn't until the 2014-2015 season that a particular shift occurred, setting the stage for his transformation from a player with potential to a Stanley Cup champion.
Before this pivotal season, Maroon's journey involved stints in the NAHL, where he earned MVP honors, followed by development in the AHL with the Philadelphia Phantoms. Traded to the Anaheim Ducks, he finally got his NHL debut in the 2011-12 season. However, he struggled to find consistency. It was during the 2014-2015 season where he began to solidify his role as a valuable asset.
The 2014-2015 season saw Maroon play 71 games for the Ducks, scoring nine goals and 25 assists for 34 points. While these numbers weren't extraordinary, it was his performance in the playoffs that hinted at his future success. In 16 playoff games, Maroon scored seven goals and four assists, showcasing an ability to elevate his game when it mattered most. This playoff run demonstrated his value as a power forward who could contribute offensively while also playing a physical game.
Maroon's contributions during the Ducks' playoff push caught the attention of many, solidifying his reputation as a reliable player. Although the Ducks didn't win the Stanley Cup that year, Maroon's performance demonstrated his capability to perform under pressure. This season served as a launchpad for the next phase of his career, where he embraced a more defined role as a physical, net-front presence with a knack for timely goals.
Following his time with the Ducks, Maroon played for the Edmonton Oilers and New Jersey Devils before landing with his hometown St. Louis Blues in 2018. It was with the Blues that he won his first Stanley Cup in 2019. He then went on to win back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021. This accomplishment placed him in an elite group of players who have won three consecutive Stanley Cups with two different teams.
After brief stints with the Minnesota Wild and Boston Bruins, Maroon concluded his NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks, announcing his retirement on March 22, 2025. He finished with 126 goals and 197 assists in 848 regular-season games. Following his retirement, the Tampa Bay Lightning hired Maroon as an Alumni Relations Brand Ambassador. In this role, he represents the organization at community events and contributes to youth hockey initiatives.
Patrick Maroon's career trajectory exemplifies how a single season can redefine a player's path. While his early years showed promise, it was his performance in the 2014-2015 playoffs with the Anaheim Ducks that signaled his potential as a valuable player. By embracing his role as a physical, net-front presence, he transformed himself into a three-time Stanley Cup champion and a respected figure in the NHL.
