Bruins: 3 Potential Free-Agent Destinations for Pat Maroon
If the Bruins don’t re-sign Pat Maroon, these three teams could be in the mix for his services.
© Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports - Bruins: 3 Potential Free-Agent Destinations for Pat MaroonBoston Bruins forward Pat Maroon is one of the club's several free agents heading into the 2024 NHL Offseason. Maroon has expressed interest in staying with the Bruins after their playoff run, while GM Don Sweeney is open to bringing him back but noted Maroon's health would play a role in his final decision.
If Sweeney opts not to bring back Maroon this summer, these three clubs could look to sign him in free agency.
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers lost plenty of bite in their bottom six, with Barclay Goodrow being claimed off waivers by the San Jose Sharks. While ridding of Goodrow's $3.64 million cap hit gives the Rangers plenty more cap space this summer, they have also lost toughness. Maroon could intrigue them because of it.
At this juncture of his career, Maroon is not expected to command too much money on his next deal. Thus, he could be a good bargain pickup for the Rangers. With that, the Rangers are entering next season as contenders, so they could use a player with three Stanley Cups on his resume like Maroon.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes stand out as a potential club that could target Maroon this summer. Stefan Noesen and Jordan Martinook are two bottom-six forwards who could leave through free agency, and they could look to add a player like Maroon to their fourth line because of it.
Maroon would give the Hurricanes another veteran known for their great leadership, which certainly would be welcomed by the Canes.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Could a reunion between Maroon and the Lightning make sense? Lightning tough guy Tanner Jeannot has been creating a lot of buzz in the rumor mill. This is because he has a hefty $2.665 million cap hit, and the Lightning need more cap space to re-sign Steven Stamkos. Thus, they could end up moving their toughest player, and Maroon would be a far more affordable replacement for him.
Maroon was beloved during his time in Tampa Bay, both by his teammates and their fans. Due to this, he could make sense for them on a very cheap one-year deal. The Lightning also showed this offseason that they are not afraid to bring back former players, as they reacquired Ryan McDonagh from the Nashville Predators.