Former Blackhawks forward Pat Maroon decides what to do after retiring from hockey

Pat Maroon's best playing days were well behind him this past season. The Chicago Blackhawks did not need him to score 27 goals like he did for Edmonton or dish out 28 assists like he did when he was with St. Louis.

The Hawks needed Maroon to be a mentor to the young Blackhawks and provide the guidance that only a three-time Stanley Cup champion can.

Maroon excelled in that area.

Lukas Reichel was still inconsistent this season, but he also played well when he was skating with Maroon. By all accounts, the young guys gravitated toward Maroon.

It was Maroon who made sure the Hawks were focused on playing spoiler when Alex Ovechkin had a chance to break Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record against Chicago. Ovechkin tied the record against the Blackhawks.

Maroon was so respected around the league that the Winnipeg Jets stuck around to shake his hand after he skated his final NHL game.

He did chip in 19 points last season and was always willing to drop gloves to defend his young teammates.

Maroon has decided to continue to mentor young players in his post-playing days.

Maroon has decided to be an assistant coach with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL.

The Lumberjacks are the reigning 2025 Clark Cup champions.

He should excel in this role. This is a guy who had to scrape and claw his way into the NHL. When he got there, he put together a solid career where contenders wanted him on their roster.

His three Stanley Cup rings should easily impress these teenagers he will coach.

The thought was maybe he would go into the media after he hung up his skates. He did some appearances on TNT's pregame and postgame shows during the playoffs this past season.

He has the personality to be a good analyst and a hockey personality.

Maybe he decided to give coaching a try after being asked to guide players like Reichel.

The Lumberjacks are certainly going to benefit from hiring Maroon. If he decides the coaching life is not for him, he can always get into broadcasting. Either way, Maroon should have a successful post-playing career that matches his successful NHL career.