Seabrook of Blackhawks ending playing career because of hip injury

The 35-year-old, who was placed on long-term injured reserve, has not played in a game this season.

“I am so proud to have played my entire 15-year National Hockey League career in Chicago with the Blackhawks,” Seabrook said. “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.”

Seabrook last played Dec. 15, 2019. He had shoulder surgery 12 days later, had a procedure on his left hip in January 2020 and one on his right hip on Feb. 6, 2020. At the time, he was expected to need 5-6 months to recover.

“Over a three-month period from December 2019 to February 2020, Brent underwent successful surgeries on both of his hips and his right shoulder,” Blackhawks team physician Dr. Michael Terry said. “He has worked extremely hard to recover from those surgeries but has a long-term issue with his right hip that is preventing him from playing professional hockey. We have tried all available conservative treatments, and nothing has worked well enough for him to live life as an athlete.”

Seabrook was selected by the Blackhawks with the No. 14 pick in the the 2003 NHL Draft and scored 464 points (103 goals, 361 assists) in 1,114 NHL games. He scored 59 points (20 goals, 39 assists) in 123 Stanley Cup Playoff games, helping the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and 2015.

Seabrook, who has three seasons remaining on an eight-year contract he signed Sept. 26, 2015, ranks third all time in regular-season games played with Chicago behind Duncan Keith (1,162) and Stan Mikita (1,396).

“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,” Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said. “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.

“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.”