Chicago Blackhawks defender Brent Seabrook announced on Friday that his NHL career was over after 15 seasons.
“After several surgeries, countless hours of rehabilitation and training to get back on the ice to the level of my expectations, it will not be possible for me to continue playing hockey,” Seabrook said in a statement on Friday. “This is what is best for me and my family.”
Seabrook, 35, has not played an NHL game since November 2019. During a three-month period, from December 2019 to February 2020, he underwent surgery on his right shoulder and both hips. The defender “adjusted” his back in a pre-training session in January. Blackhawks team doctor Michael Terry said it is a problem with his right hip that prevents Seabrook from playing. Terry said the team “tried all the conservative treatments available and nothing worked well enough that he could live his life as an athlete”.
Chicago put Seabrook on the long-term wounded reserve. He was hired during the 2023-24 season, with a cap of $ 6.875 million and a total ban clause.
Seabrook, a choice of the Blackhawks in the first round in 2003, ended his career with 1,114 games and scored 103 goals and 361 assists. Most importantly for Blackhawks fans, he played in 123 playoff games (20 goals, 39 assists) and helped the team to three Stanley Cups.
“Without Brent Seabrook, the Chicago Blackhawks would not have three Stanley Cups,” said Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman in a statement. “He concludes his career not only as one of the best defenders in the history of the franchise, but as a [of] the greatest Chicago Blackhawks of all time. We cannot thank Brent enough for what he did for the Blackhawks organization, the city of Chicago and this fan base. He will always be part of the Blackhawks family and we wish him the best in his life after hockey. “
The Blackhawks are currently undergoing reconstruction, with Bowman telling ESPN this summer that his team has a “way to go” before it can sustainably win again. There was a commitment to play with more young players this season. The Blackhawks, however, were one of the pleasant surprises of 2021. With 12-7-5, Chicago is fourth in the Central Division, which would qualify for the playoffs.
“I sacrificed everything for this team in our quest to raise three Stanley Cups and gave everything I had to you,” Seabrook said in a statement. “I couldn’t have asked for a better fan base to play. You, more than anyone else, kept me honest and always encouraged me to be better – while also applauding me as All-Star and Champion. Raising the Stanley Cup in 2015 at in front of all the fans at United Center will be a memory I will never forget. You really made Chicago a second home. My family and I will be forever grateful for your love and support and I look forward to always having a special connection with you fans. I will always be a Blackhawk. “