Three-time Stanley Cup champion Brent Seabrook announces his retirement due to injury

In a bit of a surprising announcement on Friday, injured Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook has declared that his playing career has officially come to an unfortunate and untimely end.

The three-time Stanley Cup champion has suited up in 1114 career regular season NHL games, racking up 464 points and an additional 123 playoff games, producing 20 goals and 59 points during the postseason.

Seabrook had been limited to just 32 games in 2019-20 and had not suited up in a single contest for the Blackhawks so far this season.

He issued the following statement on his decision to end his very successful 15-year career.

"I am so proud to have played my entire 15-year National Hockey League career in Chicago with the Blackhawks. It was an honor to play the game that I love, with teammates I love, in front of fans I love, in a city that my family and I have grown to love. 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. This is what is best for me and my family. The love and support of my wife, Dayna, and my kids, Carter, Kenzie and Dylan has meant everything to me. My parents, Gary and Suzanne, and my brother Keith, have been behind me every step of the way and are my foundation.  

I want to thank the Blackhawks organization - including the Wirtz Family, Rocky and Danny Wirtz, Stan Bowman and Jeremy Colliton - who have been very supportive throughout this process. I'm thankful for all that the Blackhawks have done for me and my career. This organization drafted me as an 18-year-old kid out of western Canada and this team became my family away from home. In addition, I'm thankful for the Blackhawks medical and training staff for always putting me in the best position to succeed on the ice. Over the past 15 years, I've played with and for some incredible teammates and coaches. I thank each and every one of you. It was an honor to wear the Blackhawks sweater and go to battle with you night in and night out. I loved being your teammate. 

Lastly, to the great fans of the Chicago Blackhawks, thank you. I sacrificed everything for this team in our quest to lift three Stanley Cups and gave it everything I had for you. I couldn't have asked for a better fan base to play for. You, more than anyone, kept me honest and always pushed me to be better - while also cheering me as your All-Star and Champion. Lifting the Stanley Cup in 2015 in front of all the fans at the United Center will be a memory I'll never forget. You have truly made Chicago a second home. My family and I will be forever grateful for your love and support and I look forward to always having a special connection with you the fans. I will always be a Blackhawk."

The team's General Manager and President of Hockey Ops, Stan Bowman, also issued a statement on just how important Seabrook was to the organization and how integral he truly was to the success of the team during his 15-year run.

"Since stepping foot into the United Center as a 20-year-old rookie and over his entire 15-year career with the Blackhawks, Brent Seabrook gave everything he had to his teammates and the city of Chicago. His determination to win, passion for the game and innate ability to lead culminated in bringing three Stanley Cups to Chicago. Because of the sacrifices he made for his team, Brent's hockey career has been cut short due to injury.

On the ice, Brent consistently played big minutes, shutting down top opposing offensive players and showed up in the most crucial of moments throughout his career. We all remember his overtime game-winning goal in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Detroit Red Wings in 2013. His contributions on the ice were matched by his leadership off it. Brent embodied all the qualities of a true leader. Serving as an alternate captain, Brent's presence was consistently felt in the locker room. He embraced the role of mentor to young players, taking them under his wing and making them feel important. His voice was a constant in the room and he brought so much more than just his on-ice skills. 

Without Brent Seabrook, the Chicago Blackhawks would not have three Stanley Cups. He concludes his career as not only one of the best defensemen in franchise history, but one the greatest Chicago Blackhawks of all time. We cannot thank Brent enough for what he did for the Blackhawks organization, the city of Chicago and this fan base. He will always be a part of the Blackhawks family and we wish him well in his life after hockey."

The 35-year-old was originally drafted in the 1st round back in 2003 (14th-overall) and played his whole career with the Hawks. It's too early to say just yet, but we may see another number raised to the rafters at the United Center, and #7 would certainly be deserving of such an honor after playing a huge role in bringing three championships to the city of Chicago.

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