Patrick Maroon

At 36 years old, Patrick Maroon has this physical status:

Patrick Maroon (born April 23, 1988) is an American professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL).

He has played for the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, and the St. Louis Blues.

In 2019, Maroon defeated the Blues in the Stanley Cup.

Early life

Maroon was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 23, 1988, to Patti and Phil Maroon's parents. His father played Division I soccer at St. Louis University and wanted to encourage his sons to participate in the sport. He grew up the youngest of four siblings, two brothers, and one sister. His father had season tickets to the St. Louis Blues, and he and his brother Phil will alternate between games with his brother Phil or one of their father's laps. "My parents have always been so dedicated, and my brothers were always interested in sports, and they've helped me along." When reflecting on his childhood, Maroon said, "My family has always been the most influential influence on my work."

Growing up in St. Louis, Maroon, attended Rogers Elementary, Oakville Middle School, and Oakville High School. He played minor ice hockey for the St. Louis Amateur Blues from 2003 to 2005, where he was dubbed "Fat Pat" because of his height, 6'1 and 260 pounds. Maroon will stickhandle a golf ball in his garage for hours and skate in roller rinks in order to develop his playmaking skills. Maroon also participated in the 2002 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the St. Louis Blues minor ice hockey team as a youth. Maroon was drafted by the London Knights in the 11th round of the 2004 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft, but the London Knights dropped him from their training camp due to his weight. As a freshman, Maroon and his older brother Justin received a spot on the varsity team. Maroon led the team to the Missouri State Championship in 2006 by the time he reached senior year.

Personal life

Maroon married Francesca Vangel, another St. Louis resident whose family owns a restaurant named Charlie Gitto's. They sold food from the restaurant to the Clayton Missouri Police Department and the City of Clayton Fire Department during the COVID-19 pandemic in Missouri. Maroon has a son from a previous marriage.

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Playing career

Maroon caught Kelly Chase and Al MacInnis' attention when playing high school hockey, the Texarkana Bandits, who had recently purchased a North American Hockey League (NAHL) team. Maroon joined his team for one season and saw 60 points in 57 games after speaking with his parents. He was later named to the All-Rookie Team of the NAHL. Maroon and other rookies would build the rink, paint the ice, and put up boards, as well as blanket the ice if the rodeo was in town. Despite his success, he went undrafted in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, and Chase and MacInnis encouraged him to work out every day. During the 2006–07 season, he gained 30 pounds over the summer and increased his offensive output to 95 points in 57 games. The team travelled to St. Louis for their first Robertson Cup National Championship title in the same season. Maroon scored 23 points in 12 playoff games, setting the league record for most points in a single post-season. In the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Maroon became the first Bandits player to win the NAHL's MVP award and was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the sixth round, 161st overall. While watching Maroon at a roller hockey tournament, he wasn't aware he had been drafted until his father saw his name on ESPN. Maroon was rated by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau as a "B" candidate ahead of his selection, implying he would be drafted in the later rounds.

Maroon was drafted in the 2004 OHL Selection Draft after the draft, and the London Knights of the OHL had drafted him. Maroon had been accepted to the Flyers' rookie and main training camps, but was recalled to the Knights after one exhibition match against their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. Despite the fact that Mark and Dale Hunter had agreed to play NCAA ice hockey with Ferris State University, the OHL convinced him to play in the OHL. When speaking out about his decision, Maroon said, "I am really excited about going to London and playing for the Knights." "I think it is a wonderful place for me to grow to be a hockey player." The Knights hired Maroon a personal trainer during the season, but he dropped to 217 pounds due to his consistent weight struggles. In his first and only season with the team Maroon, he was named to the Western Conference All-Star Team and named Team MVP. He finished the season with 90 points in 64 games and one assist in five playoff games before joining the Philadelphia Phantoms' AHL affiliate. In the 2007-08 season, he appeared in just one game with the Phantoms before they called it off.

Following the Flyers' training camp, Maroon began his first full professional season with the Phantoms in 2008. With 54 points in 80 games and a team-high three points in four playoff games, he ranked fourth on the team. The Phantoms were the only team in the league to reach under 200 goals, of which Maroon added 11. His season was plagued by injuries, but he did a good job with 33 assists, setting a new career record of 33.

Maroon led the United States men's national inline hockey team to a gold medal appearance at the 2010 IIHF InLine Hockey World Championship in the summer of 2010. Due to his legendary play at the AHL level, he had been allowed to play without bothering out. In 6 games at the in-line worlds, he scored 7 goals and 14 points, as well as a goal and an assist, including a goal and an assist, against the Czech Republic in Karlstad, Sweden, which was gold medal match against the Czech Republic. The coaching staff was dissatisfied with his return to the AHL and had to ban him from the team. Greg Gilbert told the media that "he wasn't committed to himself" in Patrick's case, "I don't even think he knew how to prepare and play at that level." His agent tried to convince him to play in the ECHL or with a Swiss team, but the Flyers refused to release his name. He stayed in shape for two months with the Montclair State University Red Hawks Men's Hockey team in order to stay healthy. He considered enrolling in college, but was later informed he had been rejected. The Anaheim Ducks cut Maroon and David Laliberté in exchange for forward Rob Bordson and defenseman Danny Syvret on November 21, 2010.

Maroon was sent by Anaheim's AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, a few weeks after the trade. "I traded my best player for you" upon his arrival in Syracuse. I'm not sure what you did in Philly, but I hope you will participate." He scored 11 minutes 10 seconds into his first game with the Crunch and ended the season with 21 goals and 48 points in 57 games. Maroon credited his off-season preparations and the Crunch's coaching staff with his success. He was welcomed to the Ducks' training camp before the 2011–12 season, but he was refused a waiver back to the Crunch as a result of his great season. The Ducks recalled him to the NHL for his first game in the Crunch's home opener against his former club. He made his ice time against the Chicago Blackhawks on October 25, finishing 15:19 minutes on ice time. Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf were teammates on the team for two more games before being admitted to the AHL. In a 6–3 victory over the Norfolk Admirals after reuniting with the Crunch, Maroon eclipsed 200 AHL points and scored a hat trick. He was later signed to a deal extension with the Ducks through the 2012–2013 season.

Due to a lockout, the 2012-2013 season was postponed, but Maroon was recalled to action with Mathieu Perpetu and Teemu Selanne, but Mathieu Perpetu Perception was suspended, and Teemu Selanne was introduced on a line. "You'll never forget those moments," Maroon said of the experience. He was a member of the AHL for the majority of the season but he scored two goals in 11 games for the Ducks during call-ups throughout the season. The Ducks signed Maroon to a two-year contract extension on March 21, 2013. Maroon's first full NHL season came in 2013, scoring 11 goals and going with 18 assists in 62 games. Despite having a year on his deal, the Ducks signed him to a three-year contract extension on August 2, 2014.

Maroon played in 71 games in his second year as a player, with only a few playing due to injury. He missed four weeks at the start of the season due to a sprained MCL injury during a match against the Buffalo Sabres. Maroon will play in 71 games, scoring a career high 9 goals with 25 assists when returning to the lineup. In the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs, his offensive game came alive, scoring 8 goals in 16 games while playing on the Ducks' top line. Maroon was one of the Ducks' most consistent players during their season, finishing third on the team in goals and power play points as well as limited his penalty minutes.

Maroon found himself on the fourth line for the Ducks in the 2015–16 season. His play was often outstanding, but there were times when his ice time was down to less than ten minutes a game, and he did not. He was reunited with Corey Perry and found his scoring touch in consecutive games, but only in 56 games, scoring just 4 goals and 13 points. Despite his poor offensive output, he and his wife travelled to Pelican Hill Resort on a trade deadline day, where his mother was later informed by his uncle that he had been moved to Edmonton.

Maroon was traded to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Martin Gernét and a fourth-round pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, and was traded to the Edmonton Oilers on February 29, 2016. On March 3, he made his Oilers debut against the Philadelphia Flyers, where he scored his fifth goal of the season in the second period to bring their lead to three. Maroon said "it brought me right back to my time in Philly," he said, although I didn't know how to train, I was out of shape, and his dark days. And then, like, holy f—, this is really happening." His style of play earned him time on the wing of Connor McDavid, who claimed to play differently than his former Ducks teammates. "You have a great deal of speed in the neutral zone with Connor, but I'd rather play big on the boards, chip the puck out, and make sure he gets it." He skates with a lot of energy, and Ebs has a natural command and a good shot. It's been a pleasure. They're two completely different experiences, but I'm glad for it." Maroon, Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli, and head coach Todd McLellan discussed Maroon's hopes for his offseason conditioning as the Oilers failed to qualify for the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs. Maroon returned to St. Louis after a change to his lifestyle and training habits during the offseason. Chad Drummond, the Oilers' Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, partnered him with a dietitian who assisted him in determining his portion control and feeding habits. As a result, he shed 15 pounds and 3% body fat in the off-season.

Maroon, a teammate of Team USA's 2016 IIHF World Championship roster, was added to Team USA's 2016 IIHF World Championship roster on April 11, 2016. He was the first United States player to represent his country both in an inline and ice hockey world championship. Maroon scored his first and only goal in a thrilling 5–1 loss to Canada in his debut with the US men's national ice hockey team. Without Kyle Connor's assistance during the first period, his goal came less than five minutes into the first period. As Team USA failed to qualify, he will finish the tournament with two more points. McLellan was thrilled with Maroon's offseason health as they returned to the Oilers for their 2016 training camp. Maroon was pushed into a corner early in a preseason match against the Vancouver Canucks, and was forced to leave the game early. Despite this, he returned to the Oilers for their preseason game against the Anaheim Ducks on October 5, where he scored one assist and his first goal of the season. Following the exhibition games, the Oilers opened their 2016–17 season playing in Rogers Place, the Oilers' first arena. In the Oilers' first home game on October 12, Maroon scored the first goal in the Rogers Place arena in a 7–4 victory over the Calgary Flames.

Maroon continued to play with the Oilers through the remainder of the 2016–17 season, with Connor McDavid, who led Corsi percentage over 50%. The Oilers had signed Milan Lucic to play with McDavid during the offseason, but Maroon was deemed to be a more suitable option. Maroon scored his first NHL hat-trick in a 4–3 victory over the Boston Bruins on January 5, 2017, snapping the Oilers' record against Boston, which began in November 1996. He finished the year with a new high of 27 goals and 15 assists, the highest for any NHL player born and raised in St. Louis. McDavid, who ended the season with 100 points, was instrumental on 14 of Maroon's 27 goals. Maroon was named the Oilers nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in March, a player who "exemplifies the tenacity of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey." With his help, the Oilers qualified for the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs, where they met the San Jose Sharks in Round 1. In Game 5, he scored his first goal of the playoffs, leading the Oilers 4–3 over the Sharks and leading the series 3–2. After winning their first series against the Sharks, Maroon and the Oilers opened the Western Conference Second Round against the Anaheim Ducks. Maroon scored his first goal against his former team in Game 2 of the season, giving the Oilers a 2–1 victory. The Ducks will return to win the series in seven games, while Maroon won by eight points in 13 games.

Maroon returned to the Oilers for the 2017–18 season after a career-best season, with a strong offensive play on McDavid's wings. Both McDavid and winger Leon Draisaitl had signed contracts to remain with the Oilers during the offseason, while Maroon remained unsigned during his final year. Maroon continued to play on the Oilers' top line during training camp. Maroon was suspended for two games for interfering against Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty on January 3, 2018. Following the game, Doughty admitted that he had no ill will against Maroon and that "he's just trying to finish a hit." I'm not sure he meant to try and offend me. "I forgive him." Due to a lower body injury, he missed another game against the Los Angeles Kings in February. In 57 games, he had scored 14 goals and 16 assists as a result of his injury. Maroon confirmed that as a young unrestricted free-agent in July, there was a fair chance of him being released before the season came. "You know the situation I'm in..." he said, but "I'm an Edmonton Oiler" and want to remain here." This group of guys, I adore this place, the followers, and this group of guys. I think my coworkers know that."

Maroon was traded to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for J. D. Dudek and a third-round pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft on February 25, 2018. He was dissatisfied with the work and said, "I didn't even want to get traded out of Edmonton -- I actually loved it there." I actually liked it. The supporters are fantastic. I loved it. You know what the most significant thing was? The guys were fantastic. These guys are unbelievable. A better group of guys could not have been selected. However, I was obviously fired for a reason. We weren't winning." He made an immediate impact on the team by scoring eight points in his first 12 games and receiving praise from his peers for his playmaking skills. center Travis Zajac spoke highly of Maroon, saying, "We're a high-skill, fast team, but when you add a player like Patty who can grind away and defend the puck, bring pucks to the net, it's another danger to us, and it's been a good addition." He finished the season with 13 points in 16 games as he underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back.

Maroon is expected to be drafted quickly as a free agent after his success with the Devils and Oilers. And, Maroon switched agents after a week passed and he had only worked with the St. Louis Blues. Maroon's new agent attempted to get him another job with New Jersey, but he decided to return home and be closer to his son. Maroon signed a one-year, $1.75 million deal with his hometown St. Louis Blues on July 10, 2018. Maroon scored ten goals and 28 assists for 28 points in 74 regular season games.

The Blues qualified for the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs as the third seed from the Central Division, capping a revival in a season that saw them finish last place in the NHL as late as January 2019. Maroon's grandfather died as the Blues geared up to face the Winnipeg Jets in the first round of the playoffs. Maroon returned to play with the team for Game 1 and later expressed concern for his grandfather's presence while assisting on the game-winning goal. In the second round, he helped the Jets beat the Jets in six games and meet the Dallas Stars. Their series was tied 3-3, and they were eliminated from Game 7 after losing on elimination. Maroon scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to win by 4–3 in the series. The Blues defeated the San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference Finals to meet the Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals following their victory. Maroon and the Blues won the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history, defeating the Bruins in seven games. He earned seven points in the playoffs.

During the offseason, Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper pursued Maroon in order to lure him to the team. When Cooper played in the North American Hockey League, he had previously coached Maroon. Maroon signed a one-year, $900,000 deal with the Lightning on August 24, 2019 and shortened his jersey number to 14. He appeared in the entirety of the 2019-20 season, which was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Maroon kept in shape during the break in play by using inline skating to stay in shape. On July 26, 2020, he was invited to the Lightning's return to the playing roster for the Stanley Cup Qualifiers. Maroon became the third player in the post-expansion era to win consecutive Stanley Cups with different teams following Claude Lemieux and Cory Stillman on September 28, 2020.

Following the Lightning Cup victory, Maroon signed a two-year, $1.8 million deal to remain with the Lightning on October 29, 2020. The Tampa Bay Lightning won their third Stanley Cup, and Maroon claimed his third straight Stanley Cup on July 7, 2021. He was the first player to go three-for-three in various uniforms since the 1967-19 expansion began in 1967 and increased the league beyond six teams. After playing seven goals and 13 points in 45 games, Maroon resigned to a two-year deal in February 2022.

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