Chicago Blackhawks: 3 Keys to success for Brent Seabrook

Once you get past fans’ frustration about Stan Bowman, the next name in the Blackhawks organization that generates heated debate is Brent Seabrook.

The longtime Chicago Blackhawks defenseman has been around, well, almost forever it seems. Seabrook’s career has been  about15 years, but the scrutiny on his game over the last few years has made it somehow feel like it’s been much longer.

Brent Seabrook’s name causes indigestion in most people when he suits up because of how much he costs the team, compared to his actual play. An aging player that sees their ability decline is normal. Every professional athlete sees that happen to them.

However, Seabrook’s current deal sees him sticking the Chicago Blackhawks with a cap hit that is almost $7,000,000, and this is for a guy who has now played himself down the depth chart and finished off last season as the 6th/7th defenseman for Chicago.

Then came the surgeries. Seabrook will be coming back as a sort of hockey cyborg since he’s had both hips worked on, and then some. For the last few years, his numbers have progressively become worse with each successive season, and it isn’t something that has really crept up on him.

And his possession statistics reflect his other numbers. They aren’t very good in the last few seasons. Also, unlike other players, Seabrook’s numbers aren’t simply the result of the team around him.

While some people might start insisting that he retire, it’s not that simple. Chicago would likely still be on the hook for his contract, as organizations such as NBC have pointed out. That’s a problem because Seabrook’s deal is for several more years. Does this mean he’s done and has somehow transformed into a boat anchor that’s dragging the team down? Here are three keys to success for Brent Seabrook for 2020-2021