NHL News: Boston Bruins Add 3-Time Stanley Cup Champ Just In Time For Playoffs

The Boston Bruins are ready to ramp up their physical game just in time for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Veteran enforcer, and recent three-time Cup champion, Pat Maroon will finally make his Bruins debut Saturday night. 

Pat Maroon is in. Bruins hope he can play all three games remaining.

— Fluto Shinzawa (@FlutoShinzawa) April 13, 2024

Boston acquired the soon-to-be 36-year-old at the trade deadline from the Minnesota Wild, but he's been recovering from back surgery ever since. His recovery was supposed to last six weeks but he's now at the nine-week mark. Nevertheless, the Bruins are counting on him being able to add his physical brand of play to the 4th line in time for the games that count. 

Last season, the 6'3", 243-pound forward led the entire NHL in penalty minutes, with 150. He has only 60 PIM thus far this season in 49 games, still not exactly Lady Byng territory, but expect that to ratchet up as the playoffs hit. Maroon certainly knows what to do when the postseason begins, as he has 150 playoff games under his belt, tied for 8th most among active NHL players. 

It'll also be an intriguing sight to see Maroon and Bruins long-time pest Brad Marchand, not exactly the best of friends on the ice in the past, teaming up.  

LMAOOOOO PAT MAROON AND MARCHAND ON THE SAME TEAMpic.twitter.com/lQFIu0BKEN

— Lauren (@bigbruinsenergy) March 8, 2024

The Bruins maintain a slim one-point advantage over the Florida Panthers for first place in the Atlantic Division heading into Saturday's play. They hope that Maroon will get in a solid 3-game tune-up before the regular season is done. 

Photo: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports