Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Patrick Maroon (14) celebrates a goal by center Blake Coleman (not pictured) against Dallas Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin (35) during the second period in game six of the 2020 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Patrick Maroon returning to Lightning on two-year deal

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 10/9/20

It was reported earlier this week that Patrick Maroon was expected to become a free agent on Friday and leave the Tampa Bay Lightning. After playing an important role in their Stanley Cup championship, it appears GM Julien BriseBois is keeping him on board.

The man they call the "Big Rig" has agreed to a two-year deal to remain with the Lightning, according to TSN's Frank Seravalli.

Hearing Pat Maroon (2 x $900k) and Luke Schenn (1 x $800k) have both agreed to terms to return to #GoBolts
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 9, 2020

Maroon became just the eighth player in league history to win the Cup in back-to-back seasons with two different teams and the first since Cory Stillman in 2004 and 2006, sandwiched around the 2005 lost season due to the lockout.

It's no surprise the Bolts want to keep him on board.

The 32-year-old appeared in all of Tampa's playoff games this postseason, registering one goal and five assists in 25 games. He added facets the Bolts were missing in their years-long Stanley Cup pursuit: tenacity and grit.

Maroon staying with Tampa Bay will allow the club to keep its hopes of repeating as Stanley Cup champions alive. With a deal worth essentially nothing, BriseBois looks like a genius.

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