Blackhawks: What Losing Brent Seabrook Means Going Forward

How do Brent Seabrook’s injuries affect the Chicago Blackhawks’ short-term and long-term plans?

The Chicago Blackhawks’ bench is starting to get smaller. Brent Seabrook will miss the remainder of the 2019-20 season following today’s medical update from the Chicago Blackhawks.

Losing Seabrook, regardless of his play this season, is a hit to the team. Brent Seabrook is one of the most vocal leaders in the Blackhawks’ locker room, and he is loved by many of his teammates. However, with the Seabrook injuries comes an opportunity for other players.

Despite the Henri Jokiharju trade, there are still plenty of defensemen that can step up in Seabrook’s absence. Adam Boqvist can now prove himself and take the remainder of the season to show who he is in the NHL. Seabrook is not the only defenseman on the outs.

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Calvin de Haan is also out long-term with a right shoulder injury, the blue line is missing two of its brightest stars. Dennis Gilbert will be given a big opportunity as well to make a difference on this blue line. One thing is for sure when I look at the Chicago Blackhawks’ blue line now.

Chicago is weaker now than they were two years ago defensively. The Blackhawks’ blue line might look very different a year from now. Erik Gustafsson might still be traded this season — as he has one year left on this contract — and is one season removed from putting up 60 points.

I think it might be hard shipping him out, but I would accept anything for Gustafsson. Maybe even a second-round pick. With the slew of injuries on the Chicago Blackhawks team, young players have the opportunity to step up and make an impact.

If no one steps up one thing is for sure. The Chicago Blackhawks will have a good draft pick this spring! We will have to wait and see how everything plays out.