On March 22, 2025, the St. Louis Blues and their fans bid an emotional goodbye to one of their own. Pat Maroon, the hometown hero affectionately known as "Big Rig," announced his retirement from the NHL at the end of the 2024-25 season, marking the close of a remarkable 14-year career. The announcement came just before a game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Enterprise Center—a fitting stage for a player who left an indelible mark on Blues history.
Maroon, a St. Louis native, grew up dreaming of the Note on his chest. That dream became reality in 2018 when he signed with the Blues, bringing grit, heart, and a Stanley Cup pedigree. In the 2018-19 season, he delivered. With 10 goals and 18 assists in the regular season, plus seven crucial playoff points, Maroon helped the Blues hoist their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. His Game 7 double-overtime winner against Dallas remains a defining moment, etched in the hearts of Blues faithful.
Pat Maroon always represented the Lou with pride and helped bring a Cup to our town.
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) March 22, 2025
Thank you for everything, Big Rig. pic.twitter.com/DAu8Buhqi8
Saturday’s game was Maroon’s final appearance in St. Louis, and the Blues ensured it was unforgettable. A second-period tribute video celebrated his journey, prompting a standing ovation from the crowd and stick taps from both benches. Cameras caught his father, Phil, tearing up in the stands—an image that captured the night’s emotion. “I was shocked what the Blues did for me tonight,” Maroon said postgame. “They didn’t have to do that.”
The 36-year-old forward, now with the Blackhawks, reflected on his decision with a mix of pride and peace. “I’ve done everything I could in this league,” he told Chicago Sports Network’s Darren Pang before the game. “It’s time for my family to start a new chapter.” Maroon’s career boasts three consecutive Stanley Cups—first with the Blues in 2019, then with Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021—making him one of the NHL’s most clutch performers.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Apr 29, 2019; Dallas, TX, USA; St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (18) and center Tyler Bozak (21) and defenseman Jay Bouwmeester (19) and defenseman Colton Parayko (55) and left wing Patrick Maroon (7) celebrate Maroon s game winning goal against the Dallas Stars during the third period in game three of the second round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center
For Blues fans, Maroon’s legacy transcends stats. He embodied the city’s blue-collar spirit, playing with an edge and a smile. “Pat always represented the Lou with pride,” the Blues posted on X, a sentiment echoed by captain Brayden Schenn, who called the tribute “a good salute” to a cherished teammate.
As Maroon saluted the crowd one last time, the Enterprise Center roared for their champion. His final game in St. Louis ended in a 4-1 loss, but the night belonged to him. Named first star, he left the ice to cheers that reverberated through the arena he once called home.
“When I’m done, I’ll be a Blues fan,” he promised. For St. Louis, he’ll always be more—a hero who brought the Cup to the Gateway City.
With over 800 career games played, three Stanley Cup’s, and the memories including the famous double overtime winning goal…What a ride for the Big Rig.
Thanks for the memories.