Over the next month and change, the St. Louis Blues have an interesting dilemma. Depending on their standings in the Central and the wildcard race, they can either be buyers or sellers at the Trade Deadline on March 7.
A few names keep circling around for who the Blues should get, but only one name can be sought after regardless of the Blues playoff position. And that is Patrick Maroon, the hometown kid.
Is it time to bring “Big Rig” back home, one more time?
Can help the bottom six
Maroon brings a lot to the table despite being a rough and tough player. He has size, grit, and experience that is sorely needed in the bottom-six. With the looming promotion of key prospects, he can be a mentor and protector for these young players entering the league.
He is rapidly approaching the end of his career, and at 36 years old, he can’t be expected to be a goal-scorer. So letting him be a leader in the locker room and an example on the ice is the best option for the Blues.
Bring him full circle
Send the hometown kid out with a bang. The Blues are not far off from being a playoff team, and with their core locked in for the next few seasons, they could be repeat contenders every season. If Maroon gives it another go for next season, and even the year after that, he could be an integral part of the Blues success in the playoffs.
We all remember his part in bringing the Blues their first-ever Stanley Cup in 2018-19. And then, he went on to Tampa Bay and went back-to-back-to-back, winning the Stanley Cup in three straight seasons. To me, no matter his age or contribution on the ice, that is the guy to go and get.
He is currently signed on with the Chicago Blackhawks for the rest of this season at $1.3 million. He will be an Unrestricted Free Agent at the end of this season, so the Blues can give him an offer then or trade for him now.