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

Whaaaaaaa?!

Let's look at what that means for the Hawks and their playoff chances.

I have to ask this again - can he become a master at playing the angles, defensively, a la Larry Murphy (who was a slow skater).

It is possible that Seabrook being unhindered may be equipped to react quicker and use his strength better. I sort of doubt that he gains much quickness, but who knows if he is just enough better now healthy to be a descent third pair and depth? Experience counts a lot as well

Just have to wait and see him play. But after out this long and overcoming injuries the past few seasons, I cannot believe he is in game shape soon. And there is no AHL assignment for getting in game shape

Rooting for Seabs! Let's find out what he's got.

Great blogs, TC. You've done a great job when we were all losing our minds with cabin fever. Tip of the hat to Ted as well. How do you guys have so many topics that don't involve politics? That's crazy ... and all we can talk about of late.

To your question: love Seabs, really hope he is 100% & ready to go, really hope he proves naysayers wrong, but really not expecting top pairing d man. Serviceable at this point is all I can hope for & want of that warrior. He meant & still means so much to this team & young group. I wish he wasn't tarnished by contract alone.

THIS IS NOT POLITICAL

Just noticing a few Blues players tested positive for Covid19 and that Canada has done much better in preventing Covid19 from spreading. So we can be thankful that Canadien cities are the playoff sites.

The betting line in Vegas for the Stanley Cup champion has got to be very interesting. I wouldn’t put much stock in their early line; first need to see whom is healthy and or out with Covid19 or opt out by choice

Then too we are going to see what style of play? More intense as players get in better shape in later playoff rounds? How thrilled will majority of players be with body checks and player skirmishes along boards and in front of the net? Hmmm

Lastly what the heck is going to be the outcome for the actual operation of minor leagues - hockey and baseball too! Could next season see continuation of taxi squads or equivalent of playoff black aces if SOME minor league teams cease operations due to financial loss? Minor leagues are so much more dependent upon ticket revenue, correct?

I think it's unrealistic to hope Seabrook will be close to his 2015/16 form, but I don't think it's unrealistic to hope he can be a lot better than the last time we saw him play. Will that be enough to earn him a spot in the starting lineup? Looks like we're going to find out - and I'm pleased about that. Seabrook is overpaid, but he is still a great guy and a great teammate, and he's earned our respect and best wishes.

I have said previously, my hope is that Seabrook becomes Roszival reincarnated. There will be injuries/illnesses, slumps/teaching moments, and Seabs himself will need a timeout during the season. I can see under that scenario, Seabs (in a full season) could get in 60 games. Not ideal based on his salary, but there are other teams with far worse problems.

Another upside/ downside, is if anyone on this club deserves a letter, it is Seabs. But that means it comes off of Kane.

Tyler, I would have to agree that the ideal D pairs may be:

Keith - Boqvist
de Haan - Murphy
Maatta - Koekkoek

Honestly, I would start with these 6 even if Seabrook is ready to go. Ease him in while evolving the lineup as players start to find their water level given the long hiatus and compromised conditions as a result of the pandemic.

Who knows, Seabrook may be a starter (even top 4) before the play-in series is over.

If Seabrook is one of our starting 6 defenseman for game 1 I’m instantly rooting for Edmonton/a chance at Lafreniere.

That’s how much worse we become with him in the lineup.

Really hoping he can’t make a full recovery in time. Also still holding onto the slim hope that we get a compliance buyout to rid ourselves of his contract.

We will be infinitely better with Carlsson/Beaudin/Mitchell out there. We need a balance of mobility and the youth in the Dcore(Boqvist alone isn’t enough). With de Haan, Maatta, Keith, and Murphy we already have MORE than enough defensively-minded veterans on the blue line.

You got to play Seabs. Who's going to score the game winning goals in OT?

Another upside/ downside, is if anyone on this club deserves a letter, it is Seabs. But that means it comes off of Kane.
- LAHawk

This will sound blasphemous but if I were to strip the A from a current captain, I would take it from Keith.

Kane has earned the A with how he has matured, taken younger players under his wing, and role modeled commitment to off-season training.

Then I agree with those who argue that Seabrook would have the C if Toews wasn't the captain.

Toews deserves the A if Seabrook had the C but I am happy with Toews being Captain Serious.

Not saying Keith doesn't deserve a letter but if it were down to these 4, he would be 4th on my list.

And if Hossa was still playing, Keith would be 5th.

If Seabrook is one of our starting 6 defenseman for game 1 I’m instantly rooting for Edmonton/a chance at Lafreniere.

That’s how much worse we become with him in the lineup.

Really hoping he can’t make a full recovery in time. Also still holding onto the slim hope that we get a compliance buyout to rid ourselves of his contract.

We will be infinitely better with Carlsson/Beaudin/Mitchell out there. We need a balance of mobility and the youth in the Dcore(Boqvist alone isn’t enough). With de Haan, Maatta, Keith, and Murphy we already have MORE than enough defensively-minded veterans on the blue line.
- SimpleJack

#1 Mitchell is ineligible for the playoffs.

#2 Beaudin has played all of one game in the NHL. Carlson 6, no playoff games. Whom do you think the 3x cup winning coach would play?

I’m still not sure on Mitchells availability. I’ve read several conflicting reports on what the league is gonna ultimately rule in terms of the loophole in his ELC.

And like I said...we have PLENTY of veterans/experience between Keith, Maatta, Murphy, and de Haan. There’s ZERO need for wanting Seabrook over one of the kids for the sake of extra experience. We need speed and mobility. Idk what to expect from Colliton, he sure wasn’t shy about benching Seabs during the regular season...

I’m still not sure on Mitchells availability. I’ve read several conflicting reports on what the league is gonna ultimately rule in terms of the loophole in his ELC.

And like I said...we have PLENTY of veterans/experience between Keith, Maatta, Murphy, and de Haan. There’s ZERO need for wanting Seabrook over one of the kids for the sake of extra experience. We need speed and mobility. Idk what to expect from Colliton, he sure wasn’t shy about benching Seabs during the regular season...
- SimpleJack

Well I cannot wish an injury on anyone, and I cannot root against the Hawks. If Seabs passes his physical, I cannot see him not dressing in game 1 over Carlson/Beaudin. 4K, might have a shot, but I still think Seabs would get the nod.

Tyler, I would have to agree that the ideal D pairs may be:

Keith - Boqvist
de Haan - Murphy
Maatta - Koekkoek

Honestly, I would start with these 6 even if Seabrook is ready to go. Ease him in while evolving the lineup as players start to find their water level given the long hiatus and compromised conditions as a result of the pandemic.

Who knows, Seabrook may be a starter (even top 4) before the play-in series is over.
- AEL_Fox

I am playing 4 guys before special k sees the ice.

I have to ask this again - can he become a master at playing the angles, defensively, a la Larry Murphy (who was a slow skater).

It is possible that Seabrook being unhindered may be equipped to react quicker and use his strength better. I sort of doubt that he gains much quickness, but who knows if he is just enough better now healthy to be a descent third pair and depth? Experience counts a lot as well

Just have to wait and see him play. But after out this long and overcoming injuries the past few seasons, I cannot believe he is in game shape soon. And there is no AHL assignment for getting in game shape
- jhawk59

Roszival played a long time being slow?

Well I cannot wish an injury on anyone, and I cannot root against the Hawks. If Seabs passes his physical, I cannot see him not dressing in game 1 over Carlson/Beaudin. 4K, might have a shot, but I still think Seabs would get the nod.
- LAHawk

Even on his worse day,Seabs is still better than those 3.

THIS IS NOT POLITICAL

Just noticing a few Blues players tested positive for Covid19 and that Canada has done much better in preventing Covid19 from spreading. So we can be thankful that Canadien cities are the playoff sites.

The betting line in Vegas for the Stanley Cup champion has got to be very interesting. I wouldn’t put much stock in their early line; first need to see whom is healthy and or out with Covid19 or opt out by choice

Then too we are going to see what style of play? More intense as players get in better shape in later playoff rounds? How thrilled will majority of players be with body checks and player skirmishes along boards and in front of the net? Hmmm

Lastly what the heck is going to be the outcome for the actual operation of minor leagues - hockey and baseball too! Could next season see continuation of taxi squads or equivalent of playoff black aces if SOME minor league teams cease operations due to financial loss? Minor leagues are so much more dependent upon ticket revenue, correct?
- jhawk59

What happens when 12 Blues test positive? I bet they hide the tests...

St Louis Blues MIA players due to Covid19 means:

1) St Louis will have a case of the blues
2) Federko and Br Hull suit up
3). You know this means if we beat the Edm Oilers, no facing St Louis round two
4) Maybe you watch Blackhawks and not the Bears opening training camp. Your choice round two Blackhawks blow it or Bears Trubinsky still blows
5) no prospects camp or Traverse City so get your hockey now

Even on his worse day,Seabs is still better than those 3.
- Elbows15

But he is not going to be ready in game shape. Readjustment period after three surgeries and playing/reacting slower and also should have strength back. What he needs is a few games or more conditioning stint AHL. I know he has all this heart and experience but he needs to get back in the swing of action by breaking in and getting comfortable enough. You may have to cheer for your favorite youngster in his stead, Soecial K Just kidding but hope if Soecial K plays he gets the job done

Since it will only be 3 games does it really matter

But he is not going to be ready in game shape. Readjustment period after three surgeries and playing/reacting slower and also should have strength back. What he needs is a few games or more conditioning stint AHL. I know he has all this heart and experience but he needs to get back in the swing of action by breaking in and getting comfortable enough. You may have to cheer for your favorite youngster in his stead, Soecial K Just kidding but hope if Soecial K plays he gets the job done
- jhawk59

The AHL is done until next season, and when was the last time a professional hockey game was played in North America? Seabs isn’t the only member of the team you have to worry about game shape. Da Haan has been out just as long.

The AHL is done until next season, and when was the last time a professional hockey game was played in North America? Seabs isn’t the only member of the team you have to worry about game shape. Da Haan has been out just as long.
- LAHawk

I don’t think any player will be in good game shape when the new...whatever they call it...restarts in August. Well, maybe Keith and Kane....

They’ve all been off for four months now - looking at a not quite three week camp - probably not as good as a normal camp.

And if anyone thinks the two Blues players will be the last to test positive...the Clippers and Bucks shut down their facilities last week, the White Sox have two players testing positive....

I fear this will not end well for any of the sports.

Not enough positives to playing Seabs at this point. Get the kids some playoff experience. Dude is coming off three pretty significant surgeries in a short period of time. Extra rest and training would be much better for lengthening his career. However, if he is saying I’m going to lay it all out there one last time in these playoffs and then retire before next season, by all means, play him. Anything short of that is short sighted and fool hearted.

Exactly

Just common sense.

Could Seabrook fool us and be a tad better than some of us are guessing- maybe. I hope so. Rozival slow but effective enough - let's not go there yet. He probably needs to play enough to get his form back.. We cannot judge in haste