Chicago Blackhawks forward Pat Maroon will retire at the end of this NHL season.
Maroon, in an emotional interview with Darren Pang on the Chicago Sports Network, announced his retirement before his 840th career game against the St. Louis Blues in his hometown.
“Sometimes you have to let go of everything you`ve known and dreamed of,” Maroon stated. “I know it`s time for my family to begin a new chapter.”
Over 14 seasons, Maroon has accumulated 320 points (125 goals, 195 assists) and 1,071 penalty minutes playing for teams like the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins, and Blackhawks.
He is famous for winning three consecutive Stanley Cups: with the Blues in 2019 and then with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021.
Maroon`s best season was with the Oilers in 2016-17, where he scored 27 goals and 42 points.
This season, at 36 years old, he has 16 points (4 goals, 12 assists) and 81 penalty minutes in 59 games.
“It’s tough,” Maroon admitted. “It’s hard to deal with these things. It`s difficult to process, but I think it`s special for my family and me to start something new.”
The Blackhawks were recently eliminated from playoff contention. Their last home game is on April 12 against Winnipeg, and their season concludes on April 15 in Ottawa.
