I don't disagree that he was a big part of the turnaround and even bigger part of the Berube buy-in, especially in the playoffs. But do they really need him anymore? On one hand, yes. He is that stabilizing presence and of some value. But if you think, as a GM or HC, the team learned well from him and can carry-on without him, you don't spend the $2 mil per year for a rah, rah guy. They made that same decision with Steve Ott as a player.
Keep in mind, after signing Barbashev and Edmundson they might have to dump some salary to sign Maroon. That isn't as easy as it sounds. Nobody is lining up to take mediocre players with $2 and $3 million per year deals.
I'm not so sure there are too many teams clamoring for a guy like Maroon. There is still a place for him but his options have to be pretty limited. I'd say his best fit is here in STL. But that means one less spot for some of the young guns and prospects they have coming up. Of course injuries always seem to help solve some of that...
Let's hope they can work something out. I think everyone would be happy if they did. I'm just not holding my breath...
BTW, the dude has made $9.2 million, in his seven year NHL career.
-------------------- "Hunts are best measured by the endurance of the memories they produce..."