For Edmonton Oilers winger Patrick Maroon, the transition from bottom-six forward to first-line left wing was quicker than expected.
In the ending weeks of the 2015-16 campaign, the newly-acquired Maroon played outstanding hockey. He was performing so well that he earned a promotion to the top six and showed promise for the coming year. Of course, he delivered.
Throughout the 2016-17 campaign, Maroon became a staple on the top line. Prior to the start of the season, he took personal steps to improve his game and edge. In the summer, Maroon dropped 20 pounds so that he could skate more effectively and with better speed. It all worked out, and he was able to keep up with Connor McDavid and the speed the top line presented over the course of the season.
Overall Impact
Not only was Maroon outstanding, and proved to make a statement as a rough-and-tumble player who could also score, he brought a lot to the table. Maroon stood up for his teammates and made the Oilers tougher. With this kind of player on the roster, Edmonton added to its arsenal of big, aggressive forwards. This way, the team came off as more “scary” and put up a tougher front and stronger competition.
In addition to that, Maroon’s positivity and leadership went a long way, and helped the team establish a winning culture. By the same token, he had outstanding dedication and determination toward his role with the Oilers, and that not only made him better, but the team better as well.
Stats
Maroon hit the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career, posting 27 goals and 42 points through 81 games. By getting in front of the net, acting as a screen and keeping up with the play, Maroon was able to be one of the Oilers’ top goal-scorers. Not to mention, he also showed flashes of superb ability, whether it was stickhandling or sniping the puck.
On the back check, Maroon was a huge asset to the team. He had outstanding possession metrics, boasting a 5.0 relative Corsi and 189 hits on the season. With his ability, Maroon was not only an offensive asset, but did well on the defensive side of things and played a solid, complete game at both ends of the ice.
That success carried over into the playoffs as well. In 13 postseason games, Maroon had three goals and eight points, as well as 34 hits. He was a huge asset for the team, and also scored and performed well in key, critical moments.
True Ability
When used in the right places, Maroon proved to be a complete all-around asset. He can adapt to his surroundings, make smart plays and win battles for the puck. His size also helps him serve as a great presence in front of the net, and he’s able to deflect pucks and pick up rebounds as well.
Though a lot of his goals come from his screen presence, the 29-year-old also displays outstanding skill. He can make smart plays with the puck and can even make fancy plays through impressive stick-handling. Not to mention, he has an outstanding shot, and it can prove to be quite dangerous. Maroon also appears to have great chemistry on any line and brings a lot to the team.
Overall Grade: A
Maroon had a career year and was a remarkable force for Edmonton through the season and playoffs. However, at times, inconsistency would plague his play, and he racked up a lot of PIM. He still earns an A grade, and there is nowhere for him to go but up.