By Jordan Long
The St. Louis Blues have been busy this offseason. They have already signed forwards David Perron and Tyler Bozak as well as goaltender Chad Johnson. The Blues also acquired winger Ryan O’Reilly from the Buffalo Sabers. They added another to the list, left winger Patrick Maroon.
Maroon agreed to a 1-year deal worth $1.75 million. This allows him to come home. Maroon grew up in St. Louis and played for the St. Louis Bandits of the North American Hockey League. According to ESPN, Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong said, “This is a one-year opportunity for him to come back, hopefully play with some really good centermen and get back to that 27-goal performance he had in Edmonton, or close to it.”
Maroon will be entering his 8th NHL season and the Blues are his 3rd team. He previously suited up for the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, and New Jersey Devils.
Last season, Maroon started the year with the Oilers. They were a young team with the expectation of reaching the playoffs. He suited up in 57 games scoring 14 goals and 16 assists while in Edmonton. Unfortunately for the Oilers, they were out of the playoff picture and decided to trade him to New Jersey where he lit the lamp 3 times and added 10 assists in 17 games.
The Devils reached the postseason with him. It was a 1st round exit to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 5 games. Maroon scored 1 goal. The Devils saw enough and let him test free agency.
Maroon will be a 2nd or 3rd line winger for the Blues. He has speed to create scoring chances on full strength. His vision on the ice helps him find his teammates for them to score goals. The Blues can use him on the power play because of his passing ability. Adding Maroon to the team should improve the Blues chances of making the playoffs next season.
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