New York Rangers Offer PTO to Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion
In a move that has sparked intrigue across the hockey world, the New York Rangers have officially extended a professional tryout offer (PTO) to a two-time Stanley Cup champion ahead of the 2025–2026 NHL season. While training camps typically see a mix of promising prospects and journeymen veterans looking for a shot, the Rangers’ decision to offer a PTO to a decorated and experienced player adds a fascinating layer to their preseason strategy. The identity of the player—though initially kept under wraps—has now been confirmed as 37-year-old forward Patrick Maroon, a rugged winger known for his physical play, playoff grit, and leadership presence.
The signing, confirmed by multiple sources within the organization and first reported by NHL insider Darren Dreger, is being seen as a strategic low-risk, high-reward decision by the Rangers’ front office. With a competitive roster already in place and legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations on the horizon, the addition of Maroon on a PTO is not just about evaluating his current form—it’s about possibly adding a proven winner to a team hungry for postseason success.
Patrick Maroon, nicknamed “Big Rig,” is no stranger to the bright lights and high stakes of playoff hockey. He won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the St. Louis Blues in 2019 and the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, making him one of the few active players with three championship rings. Known for his imposing frame (6’3″, 235 lbs), net-front presence, and fierce competitive edge, Maroon brings intangibles that statistics often fail to capture. His game may not be flashy, but it’s exactly the kind of style that becomes increasingly valuable when April rolls around.
For the Rangers, the move signals an interest in deepening their forward corps with someone who brings not just experience, but postseason pedigree. Last season, New York showed promise but ultimately fell short in the playoffs, reigniting conversations around grit, veteran leadership, and playoff toughness. Offering a PTO to someone like Maroon is a clear response to those critiques—and a proactive step toward fortifying their bottom six for another grueling campaign.
Team president and general manager Chris Drury offered brief comments on the move, stating, “We’re always looking to improve our depth and bring in competition. Patrick Maroon is a proven winner and someone we’ve respected for a long time. This PTO gives us an opportunity to evaluate his fit within our group as we prepare for the season.”
From a roster construction perspective, the Rangers appear mostly set in their top six, with established stars like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and Vincent Trocheck leading the way. However, the bottom six remains a work in progress, especially after losing a few key contributors during free agency. A veteran like Maroon could slide into a fourth-line role, provide toughness against physically aggressive teams, and serve as a mentor to younger forwards.
For Maroon, this PTO represents both a chance and a challenge. After bouncing between several clubs in recent seasons and seeing a decline in his offensive output, he enters training camp with something to prove. Last season, he played sparingly due to injury and saw limited minutes, but sources close to the player say he’s healthy, motivated, and in top physical shape heading into camp.
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Maroon expressed his excitement about the opportunity. “I’ve always respected the Rangers organization, and to get a chance to come in and compete for a spot with a team like this—it means a lot. I know what I bring to the table. I’ve been around long enough to know what it takes to win. If I can help this group in any way, whether that’s on the ice or in the room, I’ll do it with everything I’ve got.”
He went on to acknowledge the challenge of earning a contract via a PTO, noting, “Nothing’s given at this point in my career. I’ve got to earn it every day. But I’m okay with that. I’m here to compete.”
Coaches often speak about the value of having “character guys” in the room—players who understand the grind, who show up every night with the right attitude, and who elevate others simply by their presence. Maroon has long been one of those players. His leadership was repeatedly praised during his time with Tampa Bay, where he was a vocal presence in a locker room filled with stars.
Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette has also shown a preference for veteran leadership in past coaching stints, and it’s believed that he played a key role in supporting Maroon’s PTO invitation. Laviolette addressed the media following the news, saying, “Guys like Patrick know how to win. They’ve done it, they’ve lived it. You can’t teach that kind of experience. If he shows us he can still contribute at the pace we play, he could be a great asset to this team.”
Training camp promises to be especially competitive this year, with several young forwards—including Brennan Othmann, Will Cuylle, and Adam Sýkora—pushing hard for roster spots. Maroon’s presence will provide an interesting benchmark for those players. While he may not match the speed or raw skill of the younger talents, his physicality, hockey IQ, and veteran savvy offer a completely different toolkit. His ability to kill penalties, win board battles, and neutralize opposing top lines in tight-checking games could tilt the decision in his favor.
Former NHL players and analysts have weighed in on the PTO, with many calling it a smart and potentially impactful move. TSN analyst and former Ranger Mike Johnson commented, “Patrick Maroon is the kind of guy you want when the games matter most. Sure, he might not give you 20 goals anymore, but come playoff time, he’ll go through a wall for you. And in a room with a lot of younger voices, that veteran presence is gold.”
Fans have had mixed reactions on social media, with some praising the move as a savvy attempt to bolster playoff readiness, while others question whether the team should focus instead on developing its promising young talent. Still, the vast majority agree that a PTO—being a non-guaranteed contract—comes with virtually no downside. If Maroon impresses, he earns a spot. If he doesn’t, both sides part ways without commitment.
It’s also worth noting the off-ice impact a player like Maroon can have in a market like New York. Known for his sense of humor, community involvement, and engaging personality, he fits well into the Rangers’ broader vision of connecting with fans and building a cohesive, character-driven locker room. His leadership style—direct, passionate, and team-first—aligns with the kind of identity the Rangers have been working to establish under Laviolette and Drury.
Looking ahead, Maroon will report to training camp in Tarrytown, New York, where he’ll participate in fitness testing, on-ice drills, and team scrimmages. He’ll be evaluated alongside both veterans and prospects over several weeks. While earning a contract will be no easy feat, especially given the depth and cap considerations, insiders say that Maroon is entering camp with “laser focus” and that his experience gives him an early edge in a few key areas.
Should he earn a contract, it would likely be a one-year, league-minimum deal with performance incentives. That structure would allow the Rangers to retain flexibility while still benefiting from what Maroon brings. It’s also possible that he could serve as a depth forward, rotating into the lineup in specific matchups that call for physicality and veteran leadership.
As the NHL continues to evolve with speed and youth, signings like these remind us that experience still holds immense value—especially when the playoffs arrive. Patrick Maroon has proven time and again that he can be the difference-maker in crucial moments. Whether he does so for the New York Rangers this season remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: this PTO adds a fascinating twist to the team’s preseason, and fans will be watching closely as the veteran tries to earn his place in Broadway blue.
In a city that embraces grit, underdog stories, and championship pedigree, Patrick Maroon’s attempt to reignite his career with the New York Rangers might be one of the most compelling subplots of the NHL’s upcoming season. It’s the kind of story only hockey can deliver—a battle-tested warrior, a storied franchise, and the chase for one more chance at glory.
