Photo: Rob Gray/Imagn Images

Farewell, Big Rig: Pat Maroon to Retire From NHL

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Tony Marchese | Last updated Mar 22, 2025 7:44 PM ET

Patrick Maroon, the beloved enforcer and winger of the Chicago Blackhawks, has decided it's time to hang up his skates after a storied NHL career spanning over a decade. In an emotional pregame interview before facing off against the St. Louis Blues, Maroon, nearing 37, declared this season his last, marking the end of an impactful journey in professional hockey.

Maroon's Legacy: From St. Louis to Stanley Cup Champion

Maroon's career, rich with achievements and pivotal moments, began with the Philadelphia Flyers drafting him in the sixth round in 2007. His journey took him through several teams, including the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, and notably, the St. Louis Blues, where he was instrumental in clinching their first-ever Stanley Cup in 2019. He continued to etch his name in NHL history by winning back-to-back championships with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, making him one of the few to win the Cup three years consecutively with two different teams.

“Sometimes, you've got to give up everything you know and everything you've dreamed of your whole life,” Maroon shared with Darren Pang on the Chicago Sports Network. It wasn't just a career announcement; it was a poignant reflection on a decision that weighs heavy on any athlete's heart.

An emotional Pat Maroon tells @Panger40 before his final game in St. Louis that he will retire at the end of the season. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/hmrJDAjD1f
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 22, 2025

Maroon has been more than just a player; his presence on and off the ice showcased his leadership, perseverance, and the heart he put into every game. This announcement, made in St. Louis with his family present, signifies not just the end of a chapter for Maroon but also a moment of pride and celebration for his contributions to the sport.

Celebrating a Career of Grit and Glory

Throughout his 840 career games, Maroon has exhibited the rare blend of physicality and skill that makes a player memorable. With his retirement, the Blackhawks and the NHL will miss a player known for his big hits, fighting spirit, and clutch playoff performances.

In the third period of Saturday's game, Big Rig gave his hometown one last classic scrap.