Patrick Maroon has come a long way from being a fringe NHL bruiser to a legitimate top six forward. Not only that, he has emerged as quality goalscorer on the top line for the Edmonton Oilers.
In 90 games with the Oilers, Maroon has 53 points and 205 shots in parts of two seasons. He played 204 games for the Anaheim Ducks and accumulated 79 points and 300 shots on goal over a span of five seasons. As you can see, his scoring rate has drastically improved since coming to Edmonton towards the end of last season. His shooting frequency has greatly increased with Edmonton as he has managed to nearly matched his shot total as a Duck in less than 100 games as an Oiler.
Maroon represents the process of evolution. In the NHL today, he is a prime example of what a “tough guy” is considered to be now. He is big, strong, skilled, and he can fight and score. I feel some people tend to over-look this attribute and be more focused on his individual abilities alone, but Maroon is able to adapt and play with the anybody. That includes the top players. In Anaheim, he often found himself on the top line with Ryan /getzlaf and Corey Perry. Were seeing the same thing happen in Edmonton with him, Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. Maroon has clicked with them and that line has been the driving force for the Oilers offence this year.
The bottom line is you win with players like Maroon. He is a player that can get a hot stick at any time. Having his leadership and experience in the locker room is paying off immensely for the Oilers, especially during times where composure and focus is essential for playoffs. I have never been more impressed by a player’s character. He gives the Oilers an identity.
When Maroon is on the ice, he can control the play when the puck is on his stick. It is obvious that his teammates have the utmost confidence and trust in him. He compliments McDavid well on the first line because he can finish the play and is smart with where he needs to be on the ice to create scoring opportunities.
Surely, Maroon will be protected in the Expansion Draft. He has another year left on his current deal, which he signed with Anaheim. But if he keeps up with his high level of play, he could be in line for a massive pay day.
A follow up 25 goal season next year could make him a five million dollar man at minimum. With Peter Chiarelli having to deal with the Draisaitl and McDavid contracts, Maroon’s future deal will also have to be carefully pre-planned. It will be intriguing to see how well Maroon steps up in front of a rowdy Edmonton playoff crowd. He has 18 points in 29 career playoff games so he definitely knows how to up the ante when the stakes are high. The big man is an important piece of the puzzle for Edmonton and all it took was a fourth round draft pick and a prospect to get him. Twas the steal of the century.
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