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Chicago Blackhawks defenseman 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 me back on the ice to live up to my expectations, it will not be possible for me to continue playing hockey,” Seabrook said in a statement Friday. “It’s the best for me and my family.”
Seabrook, 35, has not played in the NHL since November 2019. Over a three-month period from December 2019 to February 2020, he underwent surgery on his right shoulder as well as both hips. The defender “polished” his back during a pre-training camp session in January. Blackhawks team doctor Michael Terry said it was an issue with the right hip that kept Seabrook from playing. Terry said the team had “tried every conservative treatment available, and nothing worked well enough for him to live his life as an athlete.”
Chicago has placed Seabrook on the Long Term Injury Reserve. He was signed for the 2023-24 season, with a cap of $ 6.875 million and a full no-transfer clause.
Seabrook, a 2003 Blackhawks first-round pick, ended his career playing 1,114 games and scoring 103 goals and 361 assists. More important to Blackhawks fans, he played 123 playoff games (20 goals, 39 assists) and helped the team win three Stanley Cups.
“Without Brent Seabrook, the Chicago Blackhawks wouldn’t have three Stanley Cups,” Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said in a statement. “He concludes his career not only as one of the best defenders in franchise history, but as one of the [of] Chicago’s greatest Blackhawks of all time. We can’t thank Brent enough for what he has done for the Blackhawks organization, the city of Chicago and this fan base. He will always be a part of the Blackhawks family and we wish him good luck in his post-hockey life. “
The Blackhawks are currently in the process of rebuilding, with Bowman telling ESPN this summer his team has a “way to go” before they can win in a sustainable way again. There was a commitment to play more young players this season. The Blackhawks, however, were one of the pleasant surprises of 2021. At 12-7-5, Chicago is in fourth place in the Central Division, which would advance to the playoffs.
“I sacrificed everything for this team in our quest to win three Stanley Cups and gave them everything I had for you,” Seabrook said in a statement. “I couldn’t have dreamed of a better fan base to play for. You, more than anyone, have kept me honest and always pushed me to be better – all the while cheering me on as your star. and champion. Lifting the Stanley Cup in 2015 in front of all United Center fans will be a memory I will never forget. You truly 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. “
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