Blackhawks D Brent Seabrook Ends NHL Career After 15 Years

Brent Seabrook with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2019. Photo by Brian Mcwalters/CSM/Shutterstock (10459153dm)

Veteran defenseman Brent Seabrook is officially a retiree. The Chicago Blackhawks’ longtime player announced the end of his professional career via team statement on Friday.

According to Seabrook, he made this decision because of the injuries that have prevented him from playing hockey.

The 35-year-old veteran underwent three surgeries in December 2019, fixing his right shoulder and both hips. He was supposed to be ready for the 2020-21 NHL season, but a back injury ended up delaying his return to the ice.

“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,” said Seabrook in a statement. “This is what is best for me and my family.”

Brent Seabrook spent all of his 15 years in the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks. During that time, he played a total of 1,114 games in a Blackhawks jersey, scoring 103 goals and adding 361 assists for a total of 464 points.

Seabrook was a key component on Chicago’s teams that won Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013, and 2015. He also has a number of individual achievements, including an All-Star nod from 2015.

“Without Brent Seabrook, the Chicago Blackhawks would not have three Stanley Cups,” said Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman. “He concludes his career as not only one of the best defensemen in franchise history, but one [of] the greatest Chicago Blackhawks of all time.”