Seabrook wants to disprove doubters: 'I'm not done playing'

Brent Seabrook says he'll be ready to contribute next season and is motivated to prove it after having his 2019-20 campaign cut short by multiple surgeries.

"I feel like I'm 19 years old again trying to make the team," the Chicago Blackhawks defenseman told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun earlier this week. "I'm skating and doing treatment and doing all these extra things here and there. Just trying to get prepared and ready, get the flexibility back - which was a battle for a while - and get the skating back, which has been great. The last two-to-three weeks I've felt really good on the ice. … It's been incredible."

Seabrook added that he has no plans to quit despite his injuries, advanced age, and declining production.

"I'm excited for training camp," he said. "I'm excited for the opportunity to get back out there and show everybody what I got. I'm not done playing hockey. I get that 35 is old in the sports world, but I don't feel old, I still feel young."

The blue-liner was limited to 32 games last season. He underwent three procedures over a six-week span beginning in late December, having his right shoulder repaired followed by both of his hips. The 15-year veteran, who played his final game of the campaign Dec. 15, tried to return for the playoffs but failed to crack Chicago's postseason roster.

Seabrook collected only four points while posting a 41.22 expected goals for percentage and a 41.53 scoring chances for rate during his abbreviated 2019-20 season.

He's spent his entire career with the Blackhawks, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013, and 2015. However, Seabrook's playing time has steadily declined in the years since those titles.

Seabrook has four years left on his contract at a cap hit of $6,875,000. The Blackhawks parted with two key members of their championship core this offseason, as goaltender Corey Crawford signed with the New Jersey Devils and forward Brandon Saad was traded to the Colorado Avalanche.