Blackhawks’ Seabrook: “I’m playing hockey next year.”

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that Brent Seabrook won’t be joining the team during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Chicago Blackhawks are finalizing their roster for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and Brent Seabrook will not be on it. Seabrook has made the decision, per Jeremy Colliton, that he feels he’s not at the level that he would like to be at.

Seabrook has gone out and already said he plans on playing hockey next year, that’s the bottom line. I love hearing that out of Seabrook, a fired-up Seabrook to get back on the ice and make an impact after missing time this season.

Seabrook wants to come back and be a great player in this league. He believes he can still get that done, as he has been a great player for a long time.

“I want to come back and not just be a good player for the Blackhawks, but a great player in the League. I think I’m capable of doing that. I’ve done it for a long time and if I get an opportunity to play, I’m going to give this team everything I’ve got.”

A motivated Seabrook is something that fans are excited to see, as he’s coming off of career-threatening surgery, a surgery that is 5-10 years in the making, as Seabrook said today he was dealing with the shoulder pains for the past 5-10 years.

At 35, he doesn’t heal up as he would 10-years-ago. The fact that we saw him back on the ice for training camp just shows how much heart he has for this team. Fans have to respect that.

Seabrook doesn’t know where he stands on the team, as they are looking to get younger defensively, but if he can play, I don’t see any reason why he cannot go out there and help benefit the team.

“I don’t know what my place is with the Blackhawks. That’s a question for Stan and Jeremy.” Seabrook said. “As for the NHL, I do I know I can be an impact player on a hockey club. This time off has reinvigorated to be better.”

Seabrook addressed his contract situation, noting that he understands a lot of people make a lot out of his contract and age, but he thinks if, given the opportunity, he has a lot left to give to this team.

“A lot of people want to make a lot of my contract and my age, and I think if given the opportunity and [I’m] feeling like a big part of the team on the ice, I’ve got lots left. I’m looking forward to camp next year.”

After listening to what Brent Seabrook has to say, he will indeed be playing hockey next season. He sees that chances with the Blackhawks could be limited, in that case, it looks like he’d be willing to move on and prove he still can play in the NHL with a different team.

Even though there are fans that believe Seabrook is done, there still is some gas left in his gas tank. How many games does he have left? I don’t know. Would I personally like to see him return next season with the Blackhawks? Yes, yes I would.

Along with Seabrook not joining the team, the Blackhawks are finishing up their 31-man team roster for the playoffs. No word on Corey Crawford at this moment.