Gritty Forwards Time in Chicago is Over: Connor Bedard Loses His Protector
Photo credit: NHL
During another season of disappointment in Chicago, they appear to be heading into this years NHL trade deadline on March 7 as sellers once again.
No, but buyers. As disappointing as it sounds, fans are once again left with confusion, didn't Kyle Davidson declare that the rebuild was over this summer?
Why is there no compete in the roster or plan from general manager Kyle Davidson?
He is often contradicted to his own words at times, and now with the Blackhawks being sellers, another asset brought in this off-season has been listed on the trade block, according to former Sportsnet panel analysts alongside Elliotte Friedman, Jeff Marek, in an article by prohockeyrumors
Recent reports suggest that productive center Ryan Donato, previously thought to be one of the team's top trade candidates, could still sign an extension with the Blackhawks. That change has pushed 36-year-old winger Pat Maroon into the spotlight on Chicago's trade block. Multiple teams are circling the waters on the tough veteran, per Daily Faceoff's Jeff Marek, who adds that the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning could both be strong fits.
Maroon is known to the Lightning, where he won a Stanley Cup as a fourth-line gritty player.
Maroon then re-signed with the Lightning in February of 2023, but Tampa took a shot in the dark at the aging veteran as they dealt him to the Minnesota Wild for a sixth round draft pick on the second day of free agency.
Now, the league's 12th-oldest forward could be headed for another move. He's recorded 13 points and 71 PIMs in 49 games for the Blackhawks this season - an 82-game pace of 21 points and 119 PIMs. He may be in his golden years, but Maroon eclipsed 25 goals and 40 points at his career-best eight years ago. He's amassed three Stanley Cup rings in his 14 years and 829 games in the NHL and eclipsed 1,000 career PIMs earlier this season.
Maroon is deserving of playoff hockey, and it appears the Blackhawks are trying to fulfill that desire he still has.
Although the Blackhawks will not be receiving a whole lot for Maroon, expect him to be moved within the next couple of weeks.
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