Patrick Maroon
I almost feel bad for the Edmonton Oilers. They have a generational player in Connor McDavid and nowhere near contending for the playoffs. They were a favorite to win the Stanley Cup before the season started. Once the puck dropped, they failed to live up to expectations.
McDavid is signed long-term. Very long-term. They are not hurting for cap space and have three forwards who will be unrestricted free agents once the season is over. One of those is Patrick Maroon.
Now, Maroon is not having the season he did last year. Still, 13 goals and 14 assists are not bad. The 29-year old winger can put up 20 or more goals annually. Those aspects combined means Maroon could ask for a big contract this offseason. Some say that even with $20 million in cap space, the Oilers may not afford Maroon.
But, with just under $500,000 left on his deal this season, Maroon is a very affordable option for a team looking for a top-six winger. Enter the Nashville Predators.
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Parting ways with a draft pick or a young NHL-ready player is easier to swallow than the large price for other players. Maroon ranks well among top-six wingers in points, and his contract is affordable. With room to spend next season, Maroon may be a nice player to add long-term.