After a totally unprecedented trade with the rival New York Rangers to acquire right wing Michael Grabner, most people expected the New Jersey Devils to stand pat today. The clock ticked down and the Devils remained silent. Three o’clock came—still nothing. A few minutes later, however, trades starting breaking left and right. Among those was The New Jersey Devils acquiring Patrick Maroon from the Edmonton Oilers for a 2019 third-round pick along with prospect J.D. Dudek. Maroon isn’t exactly a household name, so here’s some background on the big winger from Edmonton.
Much Needed Physical presence…The Devils have become a very fast and skilled team. The trade-off has resulted in minimal physicality. Maroon, who is 6’3” and 225 lbs can help change that immediately. He understands what his role is, and doesn’t mind planting himself in front of the opposing goalie. Maroon also comes with 44 career fights during his NHL career, something this Devils team hasn’t engaged in much this season. Having that kind of looming presence should have opposing players think twice before taking a run at New Jersey’s top stars.
(THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson)
Offensive Presence…Just because Maroon has more of a physical upside doesn’t mean he can’t create offense. With 30 points this season (14g, 16a), Maroon is certainly capable of contributing offensively. He also boasts an 11.8 shooting percentage for his career. He may not shoot that often, but when he does it tends to be a high-quality chance.
In 42 Career playoff games, Maroon has 26 points (12g, 14a). A player who steps up in the playoffs is a strong pickup to a very inexperienced team. It’s not just the scoring stats that are positive, either. With a career plus/minus of 16 and favorable 53 percent corsi score, Maroon is responsible and helps create constant pressure. Having that big frame helps shield off defenders along the boards and win those tough puck battles in deep.
Familiar locker room…A change of scenery can be hard to adjust sometimes, but Maroon should fit right in with this Devils team. Having previously played for Edmonton and Anaheim, he has already teamed up with Hall, Palmieri, Vatanen, and Lovejoy. Maroon has a mutual agent with Nico Hischier, Keith Kinkaid, John Quenneville, and was also able to know Wood, Hynes and Shero from the World Championships a few years back.
Worth the asking price…Shero made it clear that if he was going to make moves, he wouldn’t mortgage the future under any circumstances. Yes draft picks have moved recently in acquiring Grabner, and now Maroon, but you have to give to get something in return. The price was right on Maroon, and even dropped in the closing minutes according to Ray Shero; so it’s certainly worth the risk on a “rental” basis.