Chicago, IL — After a long and decorated NHL career, former Chicago Blackhawks forward Pat Maroon has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey. But his departure from the ice doesn’t mean a departure from the game. Maroon is already embracing his next chapter — this time, behind the bench — as an assistant coach for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League (USHL).
The Lumberjacks, reigning champions of the 2025 Clark Cup, are adding not just a coach, but a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience, leadership, and championship pedigree. Maroon, a three-time Stanley Cup winner, is widely respected across the NHL for his gritty play, team-first mentality, and ability to inspire those around him.
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A Mentor in His Final Season
While his offensive numbers may not have matched his earlier years — he recorded 19 points last season — Maroon’s value to the Blackhawks went far beyond the stat sheet. At age 37, his primary role was to serve as a leader and mentor to a young, rebuilding Chicago team.
Players like Lukas Reichel, one of the Blackhawks’ promising prospects, notably thrived when skating alongside Maroon. Coaches and teammates alike credited Maroon for his calming presence, game knowledge, and ability to keep the locker room grounded, especially during high-pressure moments. One such instance was during a game in which Alex Ovechkin was on the verge of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record. Maroon reportedly played a key role in ensuring the Blackhawks stayed focused, even as the spotlight was on the historic milestone. Ovechkin ultimately tied Gretzky’s record in that game, but not without a hard-fought effort from Chicago.
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League-Wide Respect
Maroon’s retirement was met with admiration throughout the NHL. In a touching moment after his final game, players from the Winnipeg Jets remained on the ice to shake his hand, a rare gesture that speaks volumes about Maroon’s reputation and impact around the league.
His career, marked by perseverance, physicality, and leadership, spanned over 700 NHL games. From battling to make a roster spot early in his career to becoming a key contributor on three Stanley Cup-winning teams (including back-to-back wins with Tampa Bay), Maroon became known as the type of player contenders wanted in their locker room.
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New Chapter in Muskegon
With his move to coaching, Maroon will now mentor the next generation of hockey players. The Muskegon Lumberjacks, who are coming off a championship season, gain a coach who understands what it takes to win — and what it takes to get there.
Maroon’s own journey — one that required “scraping and clawing” his way into the NHL — is sure to resonate with the young athletes of the USHL, many of whom are chasing similar dreams. His leadership experience, combined with three Stanley Cup rings, makes him an invaluable asset for a developmental league team.
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A Personality Built for More
Prior to accepting the coaching role, there was speculation that Maroon might head into broadcasting. He appeared as a guest analyst on TNT’s NHL coverage during the playoffs and quickly impressed viewers with his insight and natural charisma. With his engaging personality and extensive on-ice knowledge, a media career could still be in the cards down the road.
However, for now, Maroon seems focused on giving back to the game in a more hands-on way. His decision to join the Lumberjacks may have been influenced by his positive experience mentoring players in Chicago, where he played a pivotal veteran role.
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Looking Ahead
Whether Maroon sticks with coaching long-term or eventually transitions to media or another off-ice role, one thing is clear: his impact on the game of hockey is far from over. The Muskegon Lumberjacks are getting a passionate leader and battle-tested veteran who knows how to connect with young players — and help mold them into champions.
After a successful playing career, Pat Maroon is poised for what could be an equally rewarding post-playing journey.
