In a statement released today, Brent Seabrook announced that he is unable to continue his hockey playing career after 15 years. To be clear, Seabrook is not retiring because of the salary cap ramifications; he will just never suit up for the Blackhawks during a game again.
For his Blackhawks career, Seabrook was a key member of the core that won three Stanley Cup championships. In the regular season, Seabrook was a warrior who appeared in 1,114 games and averaged 21:56 minutes of ice time per game. He appeared in all 82 games five times during his career and was a fixture on the Blackhawks’ blue line.
While a regular season warrior, he stepped up his game during the playoffs. Seabrook will go down in Blackhawks lore for his playoff heroics, highlighted by his game-winning goal against the Detroit Red Wings in Game 7 of the 2013 Western Conference Semifinals. While he did serve as an alternate captain, all members of the Blackhawks looked to Seabrook for his leadership. The moment where he calmed down Jonathan Toews in the Detroit series in 2013 stands out in terms of his leadership on the ice.
Brent Seabrook played 15 seasons for the Chicago Blackhawks before announcing the end of his playing career on Friday morning. (Photograph courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)
General Manager Stan Bowman said it best about the franchise icon in a statement on Friday.
“Without Brent Seabrook, the Chicago Blackhawks would not have three Stanley Cups. He concludes his career as not only one of the best defensemen in franchise history, but one the greatest Chicago Blackhawks of all time.”
Needless to say, despite his injury woes and large contract, the three-time Stanley Cup winner will be missed and should be remembered as the champion he is.