Flames reportedly interested in Patrick Maroon (again)

The 2019 Free Agent Frenzy class might be one of the most loaded in recent memory. The Flames, despite cap difficulties, might be looking at plucking a few names out of that class, reportedly looking at free agent Pat Maroon from the champion St. Louis Blues.

Maroon was a UFA target during last year’s frenzy, reportedly being close to a deal with the Flames before choosing to head home to St. Louis. With the Blues, he won the Stanley Cup, his most notable contribution being the game seven double OT game winner against Dallas in the second round. He picked up 10 goals and 28 points in 74 regular season games this season, and added seven points in the postseason.

Maroon checks some of the boxes the Flames might be looking for this offseason: he’s tough, has playoff experience, can play both wings, and can chip in with some bottom six offence. But the Flames should really be thinking this one through. They’ve been burned on adding playoff experienced veterans (James Neal, Troy Brouwer), and with Maroon having turned 31 this year, it’s unlikely he can maintain his level of play.

Signs of decline may already be present, as he posted his second lowest career points totals (27 points in 82 games during the 2015-16 season), and has seen some of his underlying numbers crumble. He’s still an effective defensive option (49.71 CA/60 with the Blues), but his offence is likely going to continue to crumble.

With Matthew Tkachuk’s extension and plenty of other areas to address, it’s hard to see how the Flames make this move. Evolving Wild’s contract projection model has him signing for around $3.5M AVV for three years.