Could this former Bruins forward end up on one of Boston's top rivals?

At last year's trade deadline, the Boston Bruins acquired forward Pat Maroon from the Minnesota Wild. The move was understandable, as the Bruins' bottom six needed more toughness and experience, which Maroon provides. After posting two assists in 13 playoff games as a Bruin, he signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks this past off-season. 

With the Blackhawks rebuilding and Maroon being a pending unrestricted free agent, the 36-year-old winger has found his way right back in the rumor mill. 

In a recent column for Daily Faceoff, NHL insider Jeff Marek reported that he thinks Maroon will be traded by the deadline because teams around the NHL are looking for more grit. 

"I imagine Chicago’s Pat Maroon will be on the move by NHL trade deadline with a few teams out there looking for toughness along with ‘rings in the room,’" Marek wrote. "Maroon checks both those boxes."

Marek also brought up the possibility of the Tampa Bay Lightning looking to reunite with Maroon:

"If you’re Tampa do you consider a reunion knowing you’ll probably have to go through the Florida Panthers at some point in the playoffs?"

The 6-foot-3 forward spent four seasons with the Lightning from 2019-20 to 2022-23, posting 29 goals, 82 points, 415 penalty minutes, and 511 hits in 280 games. He also won two Stanley Cups with the Bolts and was well-known for his leadership. 

With the Lightning needing more forward depth, it could make sense for them to bring back Maroon. Their bottom six could use some work and overall grit, so Maroon could be a solid low-risk addition to their group if acquired. 

Nevertheless, it will be very interesting to see what happens with Maroon and the Blackhawks from here. With where the Bruins are in the standings, bringing back Maroon probably wouldn't make sense for them at this juncture. However, he could be a nice addition for a legitimate contender like Tampa or elsewhere. 

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