Patrick Maroon Bio
Patrick Maroon is an American former professional ice hockey left winger born on April 23, 1988, in St. Louis, Missouri. Known by the nickname “Big Rig,” he played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for several teams including the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins, and Chicago Blackhawks. Maroon is a three-time Stanley Cup champion, winning consecutively in 2019 with the Blues, and in 2020 and 2021 with the Lightning.
Early Life and Background
Patrick Maroon was born to Patti and Phil Maroon, with his father having played Division I soccer at St. Louis University. Growing up as the youngest of four siblings, Maroon was exposed to sports early, attending Rogers Elementary and Oakville Middle School before enrolling at Oakville High School. He left high school before graduating to pursue junior-level hockey. His early hockey experience included playing minor ice hockey for the St. Louis Amateur Blues and competing in the 2002 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. Despite being drafted by the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), he was dismissed from their training camp due to weight concerns but continued to develop his skills diligently.
Maroon was nicknamed “Fat Pat” in his youth due to his size and worked hard to improve his playmaking abilities, including practicing stickhandling with a golf ball. His dedication to training and skill development laid the foundation for his professional career.
Path to Hockey
Maroon’s junior hockey career began with the Texarkana Bandits of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), where he was recruited by Kelly Chase and Al MacInnis. He excelled with the Bandits, earning the NAHL’s MVP award and setting a league record for most points in a single postseason. His performance led to being drafted 161st overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
After being drafted, Maroon played for the London Knights in the OHL, where he was named team MVP and selected for the Western Conference All-Star Team. He transitioned to professional hockey with the Philadelphia Phantoms in the American Hockey League (AHL), steadily improving his game and gaining valuable experience.
Patrick Maroon Career
Early Career (2008–2011)
Maroon began his professional career in the 2008–09 AHL season with the Philadelphia Phantoms, showing promise with 54 points in 80 games. Despite some conditioning challenges and injuries, he continued to develop his skills and contributed significantly to his team. In 2010, he led the United States men’s national inline hockey team to a gold medal at the IIHF InLine Hockey World Championship, showcasing his versatility and talent.
In November 2010, Maroon was traded to the Anaheim Ducks, marking a turning point in his career. He was assigned to the Ducks’ AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, where he quickly made an impact and earned a call-up to the NHL during the 2011–12 season, making his NHL debut against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Anaheim Ducks Breakthrough (2011–2016)
Maroon spent three seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, gradually establishing himself as a reliable NHL player. His 2014–15 season was notable for his strong performance in the Stanley Cup playoffs, where he scored eight goals in 16 games and played a key role on the Ducks’ top line. Despite some inconsistency, Maroon’s physical style and scoring ability made him an asset to the team.
In the 2015–16 season, Maroon’s role fluctuated, and he was eventually traded to the Edmonton Oilers in February 2016. His time with the Ducks helped him refine his game and prepared him for increased responsibilities at the NHL level.
Edmonton Oilers Era (2016–2018)
Maroon debuted with the Edmonton Oilers in March 2016, quickly integrating into the team and playing alongside star Connor McDavid. He adapted his style to complement McDavid’s speed, focusing on physical play and puck protection. Maroon improved his conditioning during the offseason, losing weight and enhancing his fitness.
He achieved career highs in goals and assists during the 2016–17 season, including his first NHL hat-trick. Maroon was recognized for his perseverance and sportsmanship, earning the Oilers’ nomination for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. He contributed significantly in the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs, helping the Oilers advance past the first round.
New Jersey Devils and St. Louis Blues (2018–2019)
In February 2018, Maroon was traded to the New Jersey Devils, where he made an immediate impact with his physical play and scoring ability. After the season, he signed with his hometown St. Louis Blues, seeking to be closer to his family. Maroon played a vital role in the Blues’ historic 2019 Stanley Cup victory, scoring the double-overtime game-winning goal in the second round and contributing throughout the playoffs.
Tampa Bay Lightning Era (2019–2023)
Maroon signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning in August 2019, filling a key role on the team. He won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021, becoming one of the few players in NHL history to win consecutive championships with different teams and the first since 2006 to win three consecutive Stanley Cups. Maroon’s physical presence and experience were valuable assets during the Lightning’s playoff runs.
He continued to contribute through the 2022 and 2023 seasons, leading the league in penalty minutes in 2023 and helping the Lightning reach the Stanley Cup Finals multiple times.
Minnesota Wild and Boston Bruins (2023–2024)
In July 2023, Maroon was traded to the Minnesota Wild. He suffered a back injury in early 2024, requiring surgery and sidelining him for several weeks. In March 2024, he was traded to the Boston Bruins, where he made his debut after recovering from injury and contributed in the playoffs.
Chicago Blackhawks Era and Retirement Announcement (2024–2025)
Maroon signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks in July 2024. In March 2025, he announced his retirement effective at the end of the season. He played his final NHL game in April 2025 in his hometown of St. Louis, receiving a standing ovation and tribute from fans and players.
Playing Style and Strengths
Patrick Maroon was known for his physical style of play, strength along the boards, and ability to protect the puck. His size and grit made him a formidable presence on the ice, while his improved conditioning and offensive skills allowed him to contribute effectively on scoring lines. Maroon’s work ethic and perseverance were key to his success and longevity in the NHL.
Notable Events and Milestones
Maroon’s career highlights include scoring the double-overtime game-winning goal that helped the St. Louis Blues advance in the 2019 playoffs and winning three consecutive Stanley Cups with two different teams. He is recognized as one of the few players to achieve this feat in the modern NHL era.
Patrick Maroon Career Wins
Throughout his NHL career, Patrick Maroon accumulated numerous wins and playoff successes across multiple teams. His contributions were instrumental in three Stanley Cup championships and several deep playoff runs.
Stanley Cup Championships
Maroon won the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, marking the franchise’s first championship. He followed this with consecutive Stanley Cup victories with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, solidifying his legacy as a clutch playoff performer and champion.
Other Achievements
Maroon set league records in the NAHL during his junior career and earned individual accolades such as the NAHL MVP. He was also recognized for his perseverance and sportsmanship during his NHL tenure.
Patrick Maroon Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Patrick Maroon comes from a supportive family with a sports background. His father, Phil Maroon, played Division I soccer and encouraged his sons’ athletic pursuits. Maroon grew up in a family environment that valued dedication and sportsmanship.
Personal Life
Maroon is married to Francesca Vangel, a St. Louis native whose family operates a local restaurant. The couple has a son from a previous relationship. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Maroon and his wife contributed to their community by distributing food to local police and fire departments. Maroon has also been active in charitable efforts supporting mental health and body image awareness.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2024–25 season, Maroon played for the Chicago Blackhawks, his eighth NHL team. He announced his retirement during the season, choosing to conclude his career in his hometown. Maroon’s final games were marked by tributes from fans and fellow players, celebrating his contributions to the sport over nearly two decades. His leadership and experience were valuable to the Blackhawks during the season, and his retirement marked the end of a distinguished NHL career.