Imagine this: a three-time Stanley Cup champion, now retired, reflecting on his career and the electrifying world of outdoor hockey. But here's where it gets even more fascinating—Patrick Maroon, the beloved NHL veteran, is not just reminiscing; he’s diving into the heart of what makes hockey so magical, both on and off the ice. In this exclusive Q&A, Maroon shares his thoughts on the Lightning, the Stadium Series, and life after hanging up his skates, all while giving us a front-row seat to his journey.
By Nicholas J. Cotsonika
@cotsonika (https://www.x.com/cotsonika) NHL.com Columnist
January 27, 2026
In NHL.com’s captivating Q&A series, Sitting Down with…, we delve into the lives of hockey’s most influential figures. This week, we’re honored to feature Patrick Maroon (https://www.nhl.com/player/pat-maroon-8474034), a three-time Stanley Cup champion who’s now carving out a new legacy in retirement. Maroon’s career has been nothing short of remarkable, and his insights are as sharp as his on-ice presence.
Maroon was part of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s historic first outdoor game when they faced the Nashville Predators in the 2022 Stadium Series. On that chilly February night at Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans, the Lightning emerged victorious with a 3-2 win, thrilling the 25,000 fans among the 68,619 in attendance. Now, he’s eagerly anticipating Sunday’s outdoor showdown between the Lightning and the Boston Bruins in the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6:30 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN, TVAS).
And this is the part most people miss—Maroon isn’t just a spectator; he’s a passionate advocate for Tampa’s hockey culture. “I’m excited to see these Boston fans come in and be like, ‘Wow, Tampa is a hockey town,’” he said. “I say it all the time: I think it’s more of a hockey town than a football town.”
After retiring following the 2024-25 season, Maroon concluded a stellar 14-year career with 323 points (126 goals, 197 assists) across 848 games for the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, Lightning, Minnesota Wild, Bruins, and Chicago Blackhawks. His trophy case includes Stanley Cup wins with St. Louis in 2019 and Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021. Maroon’s outdoor game resume is equally impressive, having played in Dodger Stadium (2014), Investors Group Field in Winnipeg (2016), Nissan Stadium (2022), and Wrigley Field (2025).
This weekend, the 37-year-old will be at the center of the action. On Saturday, he’ll serve as the grand marshal for the 2026 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest, leading a vibrant parade down Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa. This beloved annual event seamlessly blends with the outdoor game festivities. Maroon will also make appearances on NHL Network on Saturday and Sunday before experiencing an outdoor game as a spectator for the first time.
In our conversation, Maroon opened up about outdoor games, retirement, and his enduring love for the Lightning.
Controversy Alert: When asked to rank his outdoor game memories, Maroon didn’t hesitate. “They’re up there. Probably top five. As players, we get up for these events. You’re playing in front of 60,000 fans, and they really do put on a great show,” he said. But here’s the kicker—while most players cherish the Cup wins above all, Maroon places these outdoor experiences nearly on par. “My first one was Dodger Stadium. I never thought I would play a hockey game in Dodger Stadium,” he recalled. “It’s just the whole experience and being a part of it, how special it is, playing outside.”
With Tampa’s forecast predicting a high of 47 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday, it could be colder than his Winnipeg outdoor game, where temperatures reached 50 degrees. “I’m looking forward to watching a great game and seeing all the fans interact,” Maroon said. “It’s all about the experience and being a part of it.”
Thought-Provoking Question: Who would have thought the NHL would bring outdoor games to Miami and Tampa in 2026? Maroon certainly didn’t, but he’s thrilled for the fan base and the unique opportunity for Boston fans to experience Tampa’s hockey culture. “I know Boston has played in [five] of them, but this is one of probably many for Tampa Bay. I think they’ll get another one,” he predicted.
Shifting gears, Maroon’s role as grand marshal for the Gasparilla Pirate Fest is a first for him. “I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a big party, essentially. It’s like Mardi Gras,” he said with a laugh, though he confirmed he won’t be donning a pirate costume.
Retirement has brought Maroon closer to his son, Anthony Thomas-Maroon, a 17-year-old forward for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League. “I love just watching Anthony as a dad first. It’s been really fun for me to spend time with him and watch him grow as a young man and develop into a hockey player,” he shared. This father-son bond has been a source of joy and a new identity for Maroon post-retirement.
Controversial Take: Maroon isn’t content with just being a dad and brand ambassador; he’s eyeing a return to the game as a coach. “I think that’s what I want to do. I’m trying to get back in the game as much as possible, whether it’s player development, coaching, or being part of a team,” he said. “I’ve won three Stanley Cups, but I want to win another one, and the only way I can do that is to dive back in.”
As a brand ambassador for Tampa Bay and a radio/TV analyst for the Lightning and NHL Network, Maroon walks a fine line when discussing former teammates and opponents. “You’ve got to watch what you say, because some of those guys are your closest friends,” he admitted. “I just try to keep it between the lines and not stir it the wrong way.”
Finally, Maroon shared his thoughts on the Lightning’s current season. “To me, they’re the best team in the East as of now. They have a great core group of guys and a bunch of young kids coming in and fitting right in,” he said. Despite numerous injuries, the Lightning’s resilience and team-first mentality have been on full display. “Not enough people are talking about them,” Maroon noted, highlighting the contributions of players like Pontus Holmberg, Dominic James, and Darren Raddysh.
As we wrap up, Maroon’s passion for the game and his new roles is undeniable. But here’s the ultimate question for you: Do you think Tampa Bay’s hockey culture is underrated, or is it finally getting the recognition it deserves? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
