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Seabrook... ready to rock?

July 5, 2020, 9:48 PM ET [282 Comments]
Tyler Cameron
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT


The Athletic reported this weekend that Brent Seabrook may be ready to go when the 2019-20 season resumes.

Whaaaaaaa?!

When Brent Seabrook had multiple surgeries (both hips and right shoulder), it was expected that he would "probably be ready" for training camp in September.

"The Blackhawks announced defenseman Brent Seabrook underwent successful right hip surgery Thursday — the final of three surgeries he has had since December — and is expected to be ready for training camp in September.

Seabrook, 34, had surgery on his right shoulder in December and on his left hip last month. In a statement, team physician Michael Terry said all three surgeries were successful and pegged the timetable for his return at five to six months."

This quote was from Jimmy Greenfield, Chicago Tribune on February 6th, 2020.

Five to six months would put Seabrook, well, right on track for a July-August return. So I am not sure why I'm surprised.

Maybe I'm shocked because of all of the "Is Brent Seabrook done?" headlines I have skimmed over the last 6 months.

If anyone knows Seabrook's character, he was not giving up. He was coming back as soon as possible.

Listen, I love Seabrook and want him to be back better than ever and prove everybody wrong, however, I feel his return could pose more issues than benefits.

What I just wrote above may be a reoccurring theme from now until Seabrook's career ends in Chicago.

Before this Seabrook news, the pairings just seemed to be lining up. Calvin de Haan is apparently ready to return and he and Connor Murphy are the best shutdown option since the CHI had #4 and #27 out there.

Keith and Boqvist were really starting to see some success near the "end" of the 2019-20 season.

Finally, like it or not, Olli Maatta and Slatter Koekkoek were statistically one of the Hawks' best pairings.

Now, with Seabrook come back, what do you do?

Keith-Boqvist
Maatta-Murphy
de Haan – Seabrook

I lay out the pairings this way because Seabrook had the most success with de Haan, where he and Maatta really struggled.

I won't go too much more into it because I think it's a stretch that Seabrook plays full-time if the season launches in early August.

He's skating but not cleared for contact yet.

Also, he is coming off of 3 major surgeries and any inclination that he's not 100%, he should be watching from the press box.

All I know is that his presence in the locker room and around the team could be enough to help push the Hawks past the Edmonton Oilers, whether he's playing or not.

We'll see what happens.

What are your thoughts on a potential Seabrook return this season?


Stay safe and see ya out there!

TC
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