Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard issues a statement after his teammate unexpectedly quit on the team
Photo credit: NHL
Chicago Blackhawks forward Pat Maroon has officially reached the end of the road of his longtime playing career in the NHL, as Saturday's game against the Winnipeg Jets at the United Center was his final game of his 15-year job of being a hockey player.
The Blackhawks may have two games left on their schedule in the 2024-25 season, but two longtime NHL veterans are hanging them up early following unexpected announcements.
Two three-time Stanley Cup Champions in forward Pat Maroon and defenseman Alec Martinez have both been held out of Chicago's lineup for the past few games, and they've decided to call it quits.
«It sucks, because this is all we knew. And I'm so happy that I got to share it with Marty tonight. A guy that's a big-time player, scored big-time goals. Hell of a hockey player, competitor.»
Maroon was only granted 10 minutes of ice time by the Blackhawks coaching staff in his final career games, but Connor Bedard had high praise for his off-ice act.
«He's been awesome," Bedard said. "Such an enjoyable person to be around. Obviously, his experience in the league... he can teach us a lot of things. But I think just the laughs he brings and energy he brings to the room, he's just a guy that everyone wants to be around.»
Bedard did score a goal during that game, including a shootout goal, but the Blackhawks would ultimately fall short to the Winnipeg Jets.
Despite the loss, Bedard took to social media to send one final message to Pat Maroon, calling him a 'legend.'
Now that Bedard and the young Blackhawks group have lost a longtime veteran to lead the room, it's time for them to carry their own presence and get the organization back into a winning culture; it's all in their hands.
Happy retirement, Patty!
Previously on HawksInsider
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