An emotional Maroon explained his decision to retire to Darren Pang on the Chicago Sports Network ahead of his 840th career game Saturday in his hometown of St. Louis against the Blues.
“Sometimes you’ve got to give up everything you know and everything you dreamed of your whole life,” Maroon said. “I just know it’s time for my family to start a new chapter in our lives.”
Maroon has recorded 320 points (125 goals and 195 assists) and 1,071 penalty minutes over 14 seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins and Blackhawks.
His claim to fame was capturing the Stanley Cup in three consecutive seasons, winning with the Blues in 2019 before claiming back-to-back titles with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021.
Maroon recorded a career-high 27 goals and 42 points with the Oilers during the 2016-17 season.
The 36-year-old has registered 16 points (four goals and 12 assists) and 81 penalty minutes through 59 games this season.
The Blackhawks (20-40-9) were eliminated from playoff contention on Thursday. Chicago’s final home game is April 12 against Winnipeg and the team wraps up the regular season on April 15 in Ottawa.
