Brent Seabrook Not Traveling To Edmonton
On Friday morning, the Blackhawks announced that veteran defenseman Brent Seabrook will not travel with the team to Edmonton for their play-in series against the Oilers.
"I don't feel comfortable yet," he added. Seabrook is rehabbing from three surgeries.
— Eric Lear (@BHTVeric) July 24, 2020
Said his back was also difficult. Even affected him sitting on the toilet. "That's been going on 5 or 10 years."
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) July 24, 2020
Tough for him, made some interesting comments around his future, saying not sure where it is with the Blackhawks, up to Gm and coach but feels he can still be a good defenseman somewhere if given the chance.
Seabrook is a long time favorite of mine – it’s impossible to not like the guy. I hope he can still be a part of the Hawks future success, even with that millstone of a contract. Yes, it’s a dichotomy – so sue me, I’m human.
I’m happy to hear he’s not going to be on the 30-man playoff roster because maybe it means Carlsson gets some game time to show that he’s ready to play in the NHL, or not.
Note to the Captain: Seabrook won’t be available in these playoff games to assist with any cranial rectal extraction that may be needed – so please keep your head where it needs to be.
Very intelligent decision to not comeback Hopefully DeHann will do the same iff he is not 100%
Plus it will be a good chance to play some kids like Beaudin
Nice opportunity for many young players
Happy that they are allowing Seabs to sit this out. I would let Keith and DeHann opt out also and get those young d-men ice time.
Let the vets heal and come into 20/21 season full rested and recoveries. Its horrible to say it but the Hawks do not have the horses to compete in the tournament therefore get out early with some experience for the young guys and turn over the team leadership.
Seabs is a warrior and will be back next season as a solid 3 pair d-man when he gets his body right. Shoulder take a while
DeHaan says he feels great – I wish him luck because he’s been snake bitten with the injury bug
Seabrook is a warrior. Amazing that he participated in camp at such a high level after those surgeries.
Agree with everybody above : looking forward to seeing if Carlsson and Beaudin are ready for the frenetic pace of the NHL playoffs ( or play in ).
That is such a great pic of Seabrook. Balance, power, timing; the whole magilla.
I still believe in the big dude and if he comes back lean and healthy and plays 15 – 18 minutes a night he will be okay.
Let’s roll 4 lines against the Oil and give the kids lots of ice. I’d be happy with that.
Keith-Boqvist Maatta – Koekkoek pairings seem healthy and Dehaan- Murphy be 3rd pair if healthy. If Murphy not ready by 1st and Dehaan, (who’s shoulder operation was to bascally give him a built in shoulder brace), has issues then Carlsson and Beaudin quite possibly get some playing time in their spots or other injury fill in spots if required.
Agree with ERs last thought 100 %. JT must have his head in the right place. Win or lose 19, 88……and 20 need to show the youngsters real effort looks like. Let’s also hope JC understands the opportunity he has before him.
First, would like to thank all of you for your insightful comments about Brent. This is why I come here instead of other places: measured thoughtfulness instead of the meatball chorus of “shut up and retire, you’re complete garbage, you suck” about Seabs. He was the backbone of that 15 run and really sacrificed his body over & over again.
This is what a leader does: knows when he’s not 100% and bows out so he’s not taking up a spot. I hope he comes back from his home in Kelowna fully healthy and ready to shut his haters up.
@ER you hit the nail on the head with your remark about 19: he better NOT have his head up his arse at any time during this. No time for that.
Have a great weekend guys.
Good for Seabs and any other player whos not 100% to stay away from this tournament. Would be more important for younger player to get some experience from this fools gold tournament. Thats the only thing we need from it. We earned a top 5 skill draft player from our 80 game season record.
The players who are 100% 19 88 2 20 other donot put yourself in a position to get boarded. Stay safe. This is just practice/experience for the younger players. Show them. Plus EDM is fast team right? so they prob play clean and go fast which is best thing for us. No meatball stuff until we have a full roster in a couple yrs where we can smack right back in the face like 65 others do. We donot have those kind of players right now.
Crawford back on ice at camp today Seabrook and 3 more cuts, Tomkins, Krys and Johnson be my guess.
Crawford tested positive a few ago for covid, had to isolate before he could rejoin team, clear of symptoms and tests good now. Had to go easy not to damage his lungs, needs to get up to game shape.
Few weeks ago should say
Our starting Goalie is back on the ice!Looks like we are going to make Edmonton earn this series.
Stefanie…sorry to disappoint you but many on this site have said Seabrook is garbage and done.
There are insightful comments on here for sure but also lots of broken records on topics of Seabs, Colliton, Bowman, etc
Shame on all those a-holes the last couple weeks or so who assumed Crow being out had to do with something like drugs, booze, or being out of shape.
People who thought things like that are Flatlanders.
As much as I love what Seabrook has contributed to the Hawks over the years, it’s time to start looking into how to move on..unfortunately, you can’t separate the player from the contract, and the contract needs to go. Looking towards the summer of 20-21 and the expansion draft, I’d be doing everything I could to convince Seattle to take on the last three years of the Seabrook contract..even if healthy, he won’t ever be in a position again to play as a top pair defenseman, which is what he’s being paid as..and there are plenty of young defensemen to compete for spots on the 2nd and 3rd pairings which is where he would simply be a roadblock..I’d reach out to Seattle and let them know that his actual salary for the next three years is only 13.5 mil but you get 20.625 mil in cap floor benefit over that three year span..offer a 5th in the 2021 draft and a 4th in 2022..you could then protect Keith, Murphy, and Carlsson along with any seven forwards the Hawks choose while leaving De Haan, Shaw, and Carpenter exposed..then ask Seabrook to waive his NMC and let him know that going to Seattle will give him a chance to play 18 min a night whereas if he stays on the Hawks, he’ll just be healthy scratched over and over..it will be a tough way to end Seabrook’s career with the Hawks, but it’s a great step towards freeing up valuable cap space and undoing one of Bowman’s most egregious errors..doing all of the above also guarantees there would be cap space to potentially resign Saad, something that isn’t a given currently..or as an alternative, freeing up the cap space to go after D. Hamilton or Landeskog if Saad doesn’t resign..
@Chuckie I should have clarified…
MOST people here are not of the meatball “shoot the puck” variety. :)
@stefanie At least you’re not being reductive or condescending…
I really did *not* mean to direct my comment to you at all. Slayer. Sorry it came off that way.
Your post was really thought out.
I have said to myself if it doesn’t work for Seabs to stay here for whatever reason (money, strained relationship with JC) that Seattle would be a great place for him to be a Captain; and Seattle is not far from his hometown….
I’ll be the first to buy a Seabrook Kraken jersey .
Those are good reasons to trade that contract. I would just let it go on its own. Donot trade any young players to trade contract. Only if were adding an elite player like that through ufa and space is needed then yes. Otherwise I would just run out on its own. A 5th and 4th might be worth it though. Just no good young players/danault teravainen stuff or good prospects.
@Stefanie…that I will agree with
@slayerforever is an example of the insightful comments…as much as I love Seabs, the contract is an albatross and if we can unload somehow, do it.
I just get frustrated at some of the negativity as I been a hawks fan Since 1970 and 2010-2016 were golden and tired of the bashing. Even Toews gets ripped regularly here and you won’t find a better Captain in the league, Crosby Included
Keep in mind, Danny Wirtz is now in charge. The sentimentality likely walked out the door with McDonough. The upper management is now younger. So Seabrook has that working against him.
Stan Bowman is a big fan of Seabrook but that will not be enough for Seabrook to be in the top 7 in 2020-21.
I agree with Morrison. The sweetener to move Bickell was Teuvo, who is now a star.
We need to cross the Seabrook bridge when we get there at the start of next season. Not tonight, not next week, not next month. Every team will have cap issues one way or the other. This is ours.
I love Seabs as 3rd pairing dman to mentor the younger guys but 1. Will he accept that and 2. Can you afford him taking up a spot when there are several young guys that may be ready and you already have Keith, Murphy and de Haan (assuming a buyout for maatta)
100% agree to avoid another Teuvo situation
Craig by the sounds of Seabrooks comments, he is already standing at the bridge asking the Bowman to cross it with him.
Doesn’t have to mean giving up a potential star, retained salary would remove half the cap hit maybe a little more, plus clear a roster spot. I have mentioned before about Seattle too, but now sounds like his nmc could be waived if there isn’t the role he wants available to him. Different ways it could play out.
It feels incredibly odd to not care about what the NHL, as a whole, is doing. I’m still
hoping for the best for everyone, but I’m not going to keep up with the tournament much. We always say that without fans there wouldn’t be a league or games at all. I guess they showed us. Screw ’em all. I’ve never lived for the money, and I don’t care for most that do.
RD-well said. We have grown numb to the chaos, grief and deaths-5000+ over the last five days in the USA. Diversion yes, but there are so many more important things.
As the Cup is thrust over the head, it will/should feel different. (perhaps not for the players, but for the fans)
I love baseball too, but watching the games with piped in sound was eerie and seemed shallow. Hopefully all this will help some with their mental well-being. But as a wider society we are broken.
The Hawks will have a plethora of defensemen to choose from next year if things stay the same, and the young ones deserve a chance…who can pick seven from this group, I can’t!
Keith – Boqvist
Maata – DeHaan
Mitchell – Kalynuk
Seabrook – Koekoek
Carlsson – Beaudin
Krys – Glibert
Vlasic – Regula
nice one Nooner, (as always)
take care one and all
Tommy, tough call indeed. Vlassic not under contract, so not in picture right now. Regula likely gets a year in Rfd. Kalynuk probably starts in Rfd., and Beaudin may benefit from big minutes Rfd. vs limited ones to start with Blackhawks. Krys hasn’t shown to be nhl ready. Almost certain one of Maatta ( most likely), Dehaan or Murphy caphits will be moved. Seeler likely not much more than a 7th guy that Gilbert can fill, pressbox body. That leaves
Keith Boqvist
Dehaan Mitchell
Seabrook
On blank spot either Carlsson or Koekkoek resigned and Carlsson starts in Rfd with as 1st callup. Jalynik and Beaudin to be recalled at some point also. My take anyways. Seabrook being moved a darkhorse.
Kalynuk sorry.
Noonan i am a long way from nothing is wrong virus will go away attitude, but don’t agree with the only right to do is nothing also. If things can be done safely, with Nhl taking it out of hotspots and giving teams a bubble environment is probably alot safer than doing nothing. Some not all positives helped players be aware of their situation and protect there families as they otherwise wouldn’t have been aware. I said before Nhl way is best compared to other sports. Money yes, just like any business they need to operate to survive. I give them credit for taking the steps to create a safe environment for the players, sucks no fans be there live, watching is every fans choice though . Will everybody take advantage of it and adhere to the bubble, hopefully but there’s an old saying you can’t fix stupid, so who knows. This year’s winner will likely count just as much as any other stanley cup winner, regardless of how we want it to.
For observers of sports, i.e. fans, watching sports is a form of escapism – a brief interlude from “real life”, not really different from other diversions which allow us to put aside our cares and concerns and exist in a care-free daydream. All forms of entertainment are thus or they wouldn’t survive. They survive on the lifeblood of attention paid by those seeking to escape, if only for a short time. Too much escapism isn’t healthy but too little escapism isn’t necessarily healthy either. Maybe our forebears could have handled the fast and furious stresses of the modern world better than we can, but that isn’t relevant because modern man isn’t equipped to handle the stresses of every day life without being able to escape into a safe dream space every now and then. Everyone has their own recipe of escapism, for me it’s sports in general and hockey in particular and reading – one visceral and the other intellectual, both are effective in meeting my need to escape.
I don’t share the opinion of some, who disdain the motivation of greed they believe is driving the decision to restart sports when there are still unresolved health concerns. Greed is a dirty word often conflated with simply doing something for the purpose of making money – which all of us do. Are we all greedy, I would say yes, based on the loose definition of the word as it is used today. It’s never been a secret the people who provide entertainment do so, not for the benefit of society, but for the benefit for their bank account. As an entertainment consumer, I would be hypocritical to bemoan the motivation behind the entertainment I voluntarily consume. There is always tension between competing priorities and mental health is as important as physical health – the challenge is finding that sweet spot.
Drop the puck already, I’m running out of things to read.
Tommy,I will go with Keith-Boqvist. Mitchell-Murphy. Dehaan-Carllson/Beaudin.Maybe Koekkoek as the extra.
Kalynuk to make a run at a spot also.
RD, good to hear from you. I am going about this tournament in the same way. Once were good/set I am off to golf/other during these times of a world wide virus. Things will get back to normal soon enough- a yr. Same with the Blackhawks were going in the right direction and loading up the right way.
RD/Noonan, always good thoughts and in classy way.
ER, yea the good and bad.
put aside our cares and concerns and exist in a care-free daydream
to escape into a safe dream space every now and then
own recipe of escapism
effective in meeting my need to escape
Greed is a dirty word
making money – which all of us do
I know it has to do part for the money. I just in it for the sport the team the guts and the glory of Blackhawks. So proud of being the 7th dynasty team in the history of hockey. As we didnt win when I was a kid.
EbonyRaptor
Thanks for yet another excellent post, thoughtful and well written. I always look forward to reading your posts!
Based on your posts I believe that you and I have a number of similar “life experiences”.
@stefanie, that’s my fault..I thought my comment was being looked at as ”Seabrook bashing” or fantastical when in fact, I love Seabrook..just trying to present an option that may end up equally benefiting him and the Hawks as they both move forward over the next year or so..
I also agree with the many posters who are not on board with adding a prospect or two just to shed his contract..whether it’s Barratt, Kurashev, Beaudin, Regula, etc..these young players should be given every opportunity to develop for the Hawks..as a matter of fact, they’re the very players that can help you win a cup..the fifth defenseman that can log minutes like a top four defenseman and help your special teams, the bottom six forward that chips in 15-18 goals for you..regardless of where these players ceilings end up being, I think even their floors are valuable enough to hang onto when trying to put together a competitive team..
as for what the defensive pairings may look like next year..here’s how I think they’ll look..
Keith-Boqvist
DeHaan-Murphy
Koekkoek-Mitchell
Carlsson-Seabrook
I also like the fact that Murphy is comfortable playing on his off side. They could very easily align like this too..
Keith-Boqvist
Murphy-Mitchell
DeHaan- Seabrook
Carlsson-Koekkoek
I kinda like this second version of the pairings..the top two pairs probably skate 20-21 min each and then you have a veteran third pairing..
I think Maatta is bought out along with Zach Smith as Bowman attempts to sign his RFAs this offseason..
Pretty messy in Arizona right now, hopefully it’s not the Blackhawks who offered Chayka a job in the organization.
1) @slayer we all good. :)
2) @Ian re: Chayka….those were my exact thoughts. PLEASE GOD NOT HERE.
3) Since Kubalik & Dach are not eligible for Seattle: how in the hell are we going to pay them??
Slayer, forgot Murphy in that equation, defintely be there too ahead of Koekkoek and Carlsson, Koekkoek put up best 3rd pair numbers this year, seemsed to gain trust of coaches. Maybe 2 dmens caphit gets moved if Crawford and rfas all get resigned. Got to wonder how long 7 and 50 remain though now.
Thats the thing its prob going to happen at some point in nest 3 yrs anyways. So to be a top team again do it when needed. Good thing were not being forced to we can wait for now. Unless were adding a elite ufas players and need space and I mean elite/younger like 27-29. Which makes more sense in 3 yrs not now or theyll be 32 instead of 27/28.
Crazy to think of not having 7 and 50. Easy to see when were rolling in 5 yrs from now these guys will be 35-40 and not the quality to go to 40 like 19 88 will. Its just that time to complete the transition these 3 yrs now. Which is exciting for the future not thsese guys leaving/retiring.
Stefanie in next 2 seasons not counting this off season, the Blackhawks have 25.65m in expiring caphits, Saad and Smith next summer, plus Shaw, Dehaan, Murphy and Maatta who may go this year to help resign Kubalik, Seabrook becomes a modified ntc also by then, if still in picture. One other move at least would be needed with Maatta, either trade someone, not resign one of 17, 50 or maybe 8, Crawford best chance there to me. Move Smith or another dman, Maatta only real favourable buyout. Ltir to start season and move tdls moves, possible too.
That could still free up cap room for Dach and Boqvist, as biggest needs in 2 years. Mitchell chose to not burn an elc year and willhh need resigned next year when 88, 19, 2 are up in hoping he gets better contract that year he said. Long term deal rather than settle for bridge by waiting a year. Resigning decisions on guys like Saad, Murphy, Debrincat when his up again, whichever other young dmen step up by then, Strome and Kubalik likely sign 1 to 3 year deals, top pick this year possibly, Nylander if lives up to hopes. Some of them may be casualties. Find out soon where they will or won’t be drafting at and knowing which other moves will happen this year maybe after playoffs before that picture clears up.
Chayka supposedly interviewed for the Buffalo job and things got dicey for him after that. So he interviewed for a job that he did not get and then tried to continue as a manager with the Coyotes. Try that with your current employer.
Yea were set up good for the future to be able to adjust in any direction based on who ends up good. Thats the layout there you posted. You sorta can see whats going to happen before it does. None of the players are locks like the core we had. They have to earn it and we can choose who to keep/not. Good spot to be in.
Keep the best of the best.
The interesting thing to me is to see of the older players/25-30 in a yr or so who wil be good with the young wave players. We can see whos good without a deep roster now. Its when the young wave gets establised and we have a pretty deep roster whos going to go good together with that style of play.
Fast and skilled and size/grit needed. Not goons players who can play tuff and actually play.
Craig the Coyotes have said they are disappointed in Chayka quitting and have asked Bettman to rule on Chayka terminating his contract and accepting his new positon. They gave him permission to talk to somebody about a new position but are saying his current contract doesn’t allow him to take a Gm, Pres. of hockey operations position. Title of his new job and responsibilities at dispute it looks like. Chayka said he wanted to discuss his departure plan and Coyotes refused to until off season, so Chayka said he had no alternative but quit or lose his offer, without some idea of his status.
Saad. Toews. Kubalik
Kane. Strome. Nylander
DCat. Dach. Hagel
Kampf Carpen. Caggulia
Keith Boqvist
Maatta Murphy
DeHaan Koekkoek
Crow
Subban
Have Highmore Sykura… Beaudin Carlsson Seeler at the ready.
Don’t know the roster size for bubble but add Entwistle Queniville Regula Kayulak
JR, the roster limit is 31 and Entwistle, Quenneville, and Regula are on the roster. Kalynuk wasn’t eligible.
You’ve rearranged the deck chairs a bit, and I’m with you on the Saad-Toews-Kubalik line as they seemed to play well together. The Highmore for Hagel swap isn’t a hill I’m willing to die on but until I see Hagel provide the every shift intensity that Highmore does I would stick with Highmore in the starting lineup – not saying Hagel doesn’t or wouldn’t – only that Hagel hasn’t had the opportunity yet.
I was reading (on a different website) a discussion of the current Hawks talent pool relative to years past – specifically prospects who either have limited NHL experience or none (yet). I’m of the opinion the Hawks have more young talent either playing in the NHL now or soon will be than they have had since Toews and Kane were young players on the rise.
Players who have established themselves in the NHL but have not yet reached their potential ceiling: DeBrincat, Strome and Kubalik. Players who have barely started their NHL careers with plenty of headroom to grow: Dach, Boqvist and Nylander. Players who haven’t started their NHL careers but are almost certainly NHL level talent: Mitchell and Suter.
Then there is the list of players who have a better than even shot to become NHL players when given the opportunity: Beaudin, Carlsson, Sikura and Hagel.
And finally, the list of players who could contain a diamond in the rough, or two: Kurashev, Kalynuk, Entwistle and Regula.
Plus plenty of long shots and unknowns.
And, of course, Lafreniere when the Hawks draft him.
Another thing is the younger players like 12 other and the players just starting and those coming. We havnt seen how good they can be/are going to be once we have a full roster. What we have seen so far is with a 1/2 to 3/4 full roster. When were deep again then we ll really see who is good. The trickle down effect.
Oilers didn’t wait to long to take control Of the game last night,
Probably the Hawks can take 1-2 games to give experience to the kids ..and a few games in overtime or double overtime would give experience to the young wave.
Love my Hawks
Oilers looked in mid season form i guess, so their speed will be a massive challenge for Blackhawks defense. If the pairings in camp are any indication, we could see:
Keith Boqvist
Dehaan Murphy
Maatta Koekkoek
If as usual Keith out there whenever Mcdavid is, have to wonder if Boqvist ready to handle that kind of pressure in his own end yet or not. So pairs maybe rotate as games goes on.
Aren’t the Oilers considered the home team in Game-1, meaning they get last change?
Yup Oilers home team game one, Blackhawks choice fo game 2.
Per the Blackhawks’ schedule, the Hawks would be the “home team” for games 3 & 4.
Ebony if the Hawks draft Lafrienere I am buying you a lottery ticket. You have been ringing that bell since the draft rankings came out last season. That would be incredible.
Tab that’s what i saw too but last night during Oilers-Flames game they said Blackhawks will have choice for game 2.
Be funny if they made EDM use visitors locker room when they are road team.
Good one Mo ..haha..
Mo they do and Blackhawks get to use Oilers dressing room as home team they said.
Hawks 4-0 Tonight
Bring the Oilers now.
Re: dressing room–definitely–
The Habs were the home team and Leafs were the away team in TOR yesterday.
so freaky weird.
Hockey in the middle of the summer and players with tans.
Speaking of middle of the summer–
And forgive me if this is a dumb question, but I am curious:
If 3 games are going to be played daily in each rink, how is the ice going to be by the 3rd game?? Sloppy at best? I know Canada doesn’t get as hot as we do here in Chicago, but I’m truly wondering about it; especially as it gets later into the “tournament”. Please be kind, I’ve never played competitve hockey so I’m truly curious.
Stefanie that’s a good question, read the other day with no fans going to games the doors aren’t opening all that much, the hope is that helps maintain a cool trmperature to keep ice good all day long.
Good tune up 2nite, played well see how they fair on their real test on Saturday.
Watching at work every now and then looked good with the amount of intensity STL was giving. Looked like zone d no man on man. Potent PP with Toews Kane Dach Kubalik Keith. That stays together could be big factor in play in series. If that stays together next year Kubalik could have 50 in the twine.