The Next Long-Term Extension For The Anaheim Ducks

4. Patrick Maroon

Apr 9, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Patrick Maroon (62) celebrates with defenseman Francois Beauchemin (23) after scoring a goal in the second period against the San Jose Sharks at Honda Center. The Ducks defeated the Ducks 5-2 to clinch the Pacific Division title. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With regular playing time at the NHL level, Patrick Maroon has steadily improved and carved himself an important roster spot on the Ducks. Maroon signed a two year extension with the Ducks near the end of the 2013 season, so he becomes a free agent after this next season.

Maroon became a major part of the top-six group last season. As he improved, he increased his role from a depth, bottom-six one to a player who played major stretches with Getzlaf and Perry, both at even strength and on the first power-play.

Maroon is a very aggressive player who isn’t afraid to get gritty with foes. He fits the forechecking style the Ducks began to implement more as the season progressed: his tremendous size and willingness to throw the body makes him a natural fit in the role. He is also an exceptional playmaker and has tremendous ice vision: he created numerous goal-scoring chances on the ice. Maroon also was the Ducks’ best possession player last year at even strength, and the Ducks were considerably better in controlling play with him on the ice than off it.

The Ducks have needed to find top-six forwards to complement Getzlaf and Perry. They went out and traded for Ryan Kesler in the offseason, but the team needs to both establish and then retain the other members of its top-six group. Many of the Ducks wingers are currently unproven and have not yet had a full opportunity to showcase their abilities. In limited action, Maroon has impressed many here in Anaheim, and he has definitely earned his share of minutes among a deep group of wingers, including Beleskey, Silfverberg, Palmieri, Smith-Pelly, Etem, and Dany Heatley. To truly contend for championships, a team must both have and receive contributions from its depth players.

If Maroon can show that he can take even more steps forward with increased minutes, I see no reason why the Ducks cannot reward him with a long-term extension. He has produced with more time, and I fully expect him to be productive for the club this year. If that happens, he may very well get a major raise from his current $575,000 salary.