Chicago Blackhawks defender Brent Seabrook announced Friday that his NHL career is over after 15 seasons.
“After several surgeries, countless hours of rehab and training to get back to the ice at the level of my expectations, I won’t be able to continue playing hockey,” Seabrook said in a statement Friday. “This is best for me and my family.”
Seabrook, 35, has not played in an NHL game since November 2019. For a three-month period, from December 2019 to February 2020, he had surgery on his right shoulder and both hips. The defender “retouched” his back in a pre-camp session this January. Blackhawks team doctor Michael Terry said it was a problem with his right hip that prevented Seabrook from playing. Terry said the team “has tried all the conservative treatments available and nothing has worked well enough for him to live his life as an athlete.”
Chicago placed Seabrook on a long-term injury reserve. He was signed during the 2023-24 season, with a $ 6.875 million cap and a full no-move clause.
Seabrook, the Blackhawks ’first-round pick in 2003, finished his career after playing 1,114 games and scoring 103 goals and 361 assists. Most importantly for the Blackhawks fans, he played 123 playoff games (20 goals, 39 assists) and helped the team get three Stanley Cups.
“Without Brent Seabrook, the Chicago Blackhawks would not have three Stanley Cups,” Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said in a statement. “He concludes his career as one of the best defenders in the history of franchises, but also one [of] the greatest Chicago Blackhawks of all time. We can’t 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 well in his life after hockey. “
The Blackhawks are currently in the process of rebuilding, and Bowman told ESPN this summer that his team has “ways to go” before winning back sustainably. This season he pledged to play with more young players. The Blackhawks, however, have been one of the pleasant surprises of 2021. On 12-7-5, Chicago ranks fourth in the Central Division, which would qualify for the playoffs.
“I sacrificed everything for this team in our quest to lift three Stanley Cups and gave it everything it had for you,” Seabrook said in a statement. “I couldn’t have asked for a better fan base to play for. You, more than anyone, kept me honest and always pushed me to be better, while encouraging me as your All-Star and your champion. Raising the Stanley Cup in 2015 in front of all United Center fans will be a memory I will never forget.You have really made Chicago a second home.My family and I will always be grateful for your love and support and I always wish to have a special connection with you fans, I’ll always be a Blackhawk. “