Former Oiler Pat Maroon reflects on 2017 playoffs, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and more

A recently retired NHLer has fond memories of his time in northern Alberta.

On Wednesday’s edition of Oilersnation Everyday, former Edmonton Oilers forward Pat Maroon joined Tyler Yaremchuk and Liam Horrobin to look back on his tenure with the team, while also discussing how the current Oilers have been doing.

Maroon spent parts of three seasons in Edmonton from 2016 to 2018. He was a key figure on the team that qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2017, snapping the franchise’s 11-year postseason drought. That was a team with experienced players like Maroon and Jordan Eberle, along with the rising stars of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

The Oilers beat the defending Western Conference champion San Jose Sharks, but ultimately lost to the Anaheim Ducks in a seven-game battle in Round 2.

Maroon says that the team was fun to be a part of, and probably could’ve gone even further.

“Think about it,” Maroon said. “We could have been in the conference finals if we don’t blow [Game 5]. We’re up 3-0 with three minutes left. … It was a hard loss for us, especially losing Game 7 to Anaheim 2-1, in Anaheim….that’s the learning that we went through and the team needed it.”

Maroon pointed out that the taste of the postseason was crucial in the development of players like McDavid, Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

“I think those learning curves and those experiences help people along the way. Those moments that you see,  the breakdowns that happen and all those bad mistakes we probably made that we probably don’t see, matured them as players and helped them along the way…  Now look at them. They’re in the Conference Finals again.”

Speaking of Nugent-Hopkins, the former first-overall pick came up, and “Big Rig” had nothing but glowing praise for the longest-tenured Oiler.

“He’s just a great teammate,” Maroon admitted. “He’s loved by Edmonton and the way he approaches the game on and off the ice and the way he respects his teammates and takes time, I think that’s the biggest thing for me.”

Along with explaining the versatility of Nugent-Hopkins, Maroon mentioned the obvious in how No. 93 wants to win with the Oilers.

“He’s taken, I guess, a pay cut, but to him, he’s wanted to stay in Edmonton. He’s in Edmonton for life and he wants one goal and to bring a Stanley Cup back, just like all those other guys in that locker room. So he’s the pride and joy of Edmonton, and he takes pride in putting that jersey on every single night.”

Maroon, who hung up his skates after playing parts of 14 seasons in the NHL, likes what the Oilers have been doing this year and wishes them ultimate success.

“Obviously, heartbreaking last year, but those experiences helped these guys and mature them to know what it takes to actually help win a Stanley Cup. So, I’m really looking forward to their deep run. I’m hoping they can close it out here.”

You can watch the full episode below (The Maroon interview starts at 59:00).