As the Chicago Blackhawks kicked off their first on-ice sessions of training camp, they did so without a familiar face. The Blackhawks announced this morning that veteran defenceman Brent Seabrook was deemed "unfit to participate" and was left off today's training camp roster.
There was no specific reason as to why Seabrook was deemed "unfit to participate". The Richmond, BC native was limited to only 32 games during the the 2019-20 season due to multiple surgeries. He went under the knife three times in a six-week span. In late December 2019, he had surgery on his right shoulder, in January 2020 it was for his left hip, and on February 6th 2020, it was for his right hip. Seabrook was also left on Chicago's playoff roster back in August.
Seabrook, 35, was drafted in the first round, 14th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. In 1,114 regular season games, he's put up 464 points (103 G, 361 A), 661 penalty minutes, and is a +111. In 123 career playoff games, he's tallied 59 points (20 G, 39 A), 83 penalty minutes, and is a +8.
Seabrook has been a big part of the Blackhawks organization, winning three Stanley Cups, and likely solidifying a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame once his career is over.
Internationally, Seabrook has represented Canada on multiple occasions, most recently at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. In 7 games, he had 1 point (1 A), 2 penalty minutes, and was a +2 as Canada defeated the United States in the Gold Medal Game in overtime courtesy of Sidney Crosby's famous golden goal.
Brent Seabrook and Evan Barratt are "unfit to participate" as camp opens. Carl Soderberg will join the team after his immigration issues are resolved.— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) January 4, 2021
