Blackhawks Player Grades: Patrick Maroon

Maroon was leaned on to be a physical presence on the Hawks' fourth line all season long. However, he also became a quality friend, mentor, and leader in the locker room. Maroon did what he was asked in terms of stats, posting 102 hits, but also became a beacon of hope in the development of former first-round pick Lukas Reichel. The German and Maroon became good friends and had incredible chemistry on the fourth line with Craig Smith for majority of the season. 

On the offensive side, Maroon was a shell of himself. That said, he still posted five goals and 14 assists for 19 points, his best season total since 2021-22 when he was in Tampa Bay. Maroon's lack of speed left him out often when it came to team offense, but he served in his role beautifully. 

By the end of the season, Maroon was wearing an "A" on his jersey, serving as a mentor on a very young Blackhawks team once the likes of Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel joined the team, and he ultimately decided it was time to hang up the skates. He could have been moved at the deadline, but ultimately chose to stay in Chicago. Maroon capped off a 14-year career with eight different franchises, three Stanley Cups, and 848 NHL games under his belt. 

Player Grades

Steve Kwiatkowski's Grade: C+

On the ice, Maroon made a lot of frustrating plays. He was slow. Sure, the hockey sense was there and he's got those hands. But, what else do you expect from a 37-year-old who was drafted in the sixth round in 2007? Certainly not the presence he brought to a locker room that was never his. While his on-ice performance would be below a C, his personality and leadership brings my grade way up. He won three cups, none of them with the Blackhawks, one of them with a hated rival. He cares deeply about hockey. Enough to teach those lessons to young players. 

Tony Marchese's Grade: B

B is for BIG RIG. In his final NHL season, Pat Maroon provided everything the Blackhawks needed from him: veteran leadership both on and off the ice. While not a lifelong Blackhawk (and far from it), Maroon embraced his role and the city of Chicago largely took him in with open arms for his last go around in the NHL. While he wasn't ever going to be a major piece of the Blackhawks rebuild, his time with the Hawks will undoubtedly leave a mark on some of the younger members of the organization, and talk about a storied career to learn from. 

Ron Luce's Grade: B-

This grade is coming with a sense of off-ice contribution, not on-ice. Off ice, Maroon was incredible for the youngsters. He developed a relationship with Lukas Reichel, wore a letter late in the season, and became a favorite in the locker room. Now enjoying retirement, Maroon had a hell of a career. Sadly, his on-ice contributions as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks were underwhelming. 

What's On Tap Next?

Now that Maroon is calling it a career, the Blackhawks' leadership room has dwindled down to Connor Murphy and Nick Foligno. Losing Maroon and fellow retiree Alec Martinez is hard to swallow, but the team can bring in meaningful veterans this summer to help fill that role in the short term. Eventually, these youngsters will become the leaders of that room and no longer need players like Maroon, unless its to take them over the top in the playoffs. 

Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Patrick Maroon? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram!