Longtime Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook is calling it quits after 15 seasons in the NHL. Seabrook spent his entire career with the Blackhawks.
Seabrook announced the news Friday in a statement, explaining that he's unable to play at this point due to health issues:
“I am so proud to have played my entire 15-year National Hockey League career in Chicago with the Blackhawks. It was an honor to play the game that I love, with teammates I love, in front of fans I love, in a city that my family and I have grown to love. After several surgeries, countless hours of rehab and training to get back on the ice at the level of my expectations, it will not be possible for me to continue playing hockey. This is what is best for me and my family.”
The Blackhawks selected Seabrook in the 2003 NHL Draft. He finally joined the team in 2005 and in a few years time formed one of the best defensive pairings in the NHL with Duncan Keith.
Seabrook and Keith were mainstays during Chicago's dynasty run, which saw them win three Stanley Cups in six seasons. The first came in 2010, and the Blackhawks won again in 2013 and 2015. Seabrook scored a crucial goal to beat the Detroit Red Wings in Game 7 of the 2013 Western Conference Semifinals.
Age and injuries began to affect Seabrook in recent years, and he was placed on long-term IR in December 2019 in order to undergo multiple surgeries. He was hoping to return for the 2020 playoffs after they were delayed due to COVID-19, but he opted out.
The 35-year-old then intended to rejoin the Blackhawks for the 2020-21 season, but a back injury knocked him out of commission. Ultimately, he decided to retire.
In addition to his three Stanley Cups, Seabrook made the NHL All-Star Game in 2015.
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