Patrick Maroon, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and a beloved figure in the hockey world, has announced that this season will be his last. The veteran forward, who turns 37 next month, shared his decision in an emotional pregame television interview before the Chicago Blackhawks faced off against the St. Louis Blues in his hometown.
Maroon has had an incredible journey, one that took him through 352 games in the minors and 840 in the NHL. His path wasn’t always easy, but he made the most of every opportunity. “Who would have thought that?” Maroon reflected. “I’m happy I got to win in my hometown and then go on to win two more.”
The decision to retire wasn’t made overnight. Maroon admitted that it had been in the back of his mind all year, and he wanted to go out on his own terms. “I don’t want to be scratching and crawling for a contract and them telling me I’m out,” he said. “I’ve given everything I have.”
And what a career it has been. Maroon played an instrumental role in helping the St. Louis Blues win their first-ever championship in 2019. He then joined the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he cemented his legacy further by winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. He became the fourth player in NHL history—and the first since 1964—to win three consecutive Cups with two different teams.
His return to St. Louis on Saturday was nothing short of poetic. The Blues honored him with a video montage during a break in the second period, prompting a standing ovation from the fans. The moment clearly touched Maroon. “I was shocked at what the Blues did for me tonight,” he admitted. “They didn’t have to do that. I was just playing a hockey game. I couldn’t have written a better script on how it all transpired today.”
Maroon’s contributions to the game have always gone beyond just statistics. His leadership and presence in the locker room have been invaluable. Blues coach Jim Montgomery, who previously coached Maroon in Boston, had nothing but praise for him. “He is an exemplary and great teammate,” Montgomery said. “He’s incredibly intelligent on the ice and very underrated in how well he understands the game.”
Even opposing players and coaches recognized the impact Maroon has had throughout his career. Blackhawks interim head coach Anders Sorensen acknowledged Maroon’s legacy, saying, “I thought he’s had a helluva career. He’s brought a lot of different elements to the team this year. On the ice is one thing, but with the younger guys, he’s awesome. He’s a good human being.”
Maroon’s final game in St. Louis wasn’t just about the tribute videos and cheers from the crowd. He still played with the same fire he’s always had, even getting into a fight with Tyler Tucker in the third period. His parents, two brothers, and wife were in attendance to witness it all. To top it off, he was named the first star of the game.
Longtime teammate and friend Brayden Schenn also shared his thoughts on Maroon’s special night. “I don’t love seeing him in that jersey, I’m not going to lie,” Schenn joked. “But when you win with guys, you care about them a lot. It was nice to see him get a good salute from the crowd and a nice tribute.”
Maroon’s decision to retire wasn’t just about himself—it was also about his family. In a heartfelt interview before the game, he expressed how important this next chapter is for them. “Sometimes you’ve got to give up everything you know and everything you dreamed of your whole life,” he told Darren Pang on Chicago Sports Network. “I just know it’s time for me and it’s time for my family to start a new chapter.”
Although Maroon has announced his retirement, he’s not hanging up his skates just yet. He’s committed to finishing this season strong. “I’m just going to finish hard. I play between the whistles as hard as I can,” he said. “Every time I go over the boards, it’s like my last shift ever. I will continue to do that.”
For a player who started as a sixth-round draft pick in 2007 by the Philadelphia Flyers, Maroon has built a career that many players can only dream of. He played for Anaheim, Edmonton, New Jersey, St. Louis, Minnesota, Boston, and Chicago, always leaving his mark wherever he went. He’s been a warrior, a leader, and a fan favorite—a player who has embodied the heart and soul of the game.
The NHL will certainly miss Patrick Maroon’s grit, skill, and larger-than-life personality on the ice. But as he steps away from the game, there’s no doubt that he leaves behind an unforgettable legacy. His journey is proof that hard work, resilience, and belief can lead to extraordinary things. And as he skates off into the next chapter of his life, he does so with no regrets. “I’ve done everything I could in this league,” Maroon said. “I have no regrets.”
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