Blackhawks News: Defenseman Brent Seabrook Announces Retirement

The Chicago Blackhawks franchise and fanbase woke up to quite a shocking announcement on Thursday morning, as Brent Seabrook has announced his retirement from professional hockey due to injuries.

When you think of the Chicago Blackhawks blueline over the last 15 years, there have been two defensemen that will go down in franchise history. One is the legendary Duncan Keith, who can still be found anchoring Chicago’s blueline to the present day. The other? Brent Seabrook.

It was announced this morning that Brent Seabrook has announced that his playing career has come to an end based upon the numerous injuries he has endured over the past couple of seasons. You can read Seabrook’s full statement below.

At the start of this season, things looked to be back on track for the veteran, as he underwent offseason surgeries trying to prepare to suit up for the Windy City in 2021. After the procedures, Seabrook started to skate again and was poised to make his return at the beginning of this season. It simply was not meant to be, as he then suffered a back injury that sidelined him the whole season yet again.

Seabrook was drafted by the Blackhawks in the 1st round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. The defenseman spent his whole entire 15-year career in a Blackhawks sweater, winning three Stanley Cups over that span. He finishes his career with 103 goals and 361 assists (464 points). Seabrook played in 1,114 games for Chicago, which ranks as 3rd most in franchise history.

The player known as “Seabs” will be remembered most vividly for his performances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He tallied 20 goals in 123 games played during the postseason, many of which were game-winning tallies. None of these more important than the overtime goal he scored in Game 7 of the 2013 Western Conference Semi-Finals to give the Blackhawks the series victory over the rival Detroit Red Wings. Without that goal, the Hawks don’t go on to win the 2013 Stanley Cup.

Known for his immense locker room presence and leadership capabilities, Seabrook will be forever enshrined in the organization’s history. The Blackhawks have placed Seabrook on LTIR, where he presumably will remain for the time being.

We would like to wish Seabs the best of luck in retirement and hope that he will recover from all of the injuries he has sustained over the years. Thank you Brent Seabrook for your dedication and sacrifices you have made to the Chicago Blackhawks franchise throughout the past 18 years.