Hawks Defenceman Brent Seabrook Will Not Enter The Hub

The Oilers are off today.

Edmonton’s play-in opponents have plenty of roster issues they’re still dealing with. Chicago got Jonathan Toews back yesterday after Toews left practice early on Monday. Forward Andrew Shaw won’t be ready until the season starts in 2020-21. Corey Crawford is still listed on the “unfit” to perform list, and there’s no telling whether or not he’ll even enter the hub with Chicago next week. Defenceman Connor Murphy is questionable with a groin injury.

Who now? Brent Seabrook has decided that he won’t be going into the hub with Chicago next week.

The 35 year old rearguard is coming off of a shoulder surgery and surgeries to both hips this season. Seabrook has been out of action since December 15th, and he says that he’s just not ready to contribute at 100%.

A healthy Brent Seabrook is at best a bottom-pair defenceman on the Chicago Blackhawks. Seabrook’s minutes have fallen off precipitously over the last several seasons. He’s averaging just over 18 minutes prior to missing the remainder of the season, behind Calvin de Haan, Olli Maata, Erik Gustafsson, Connor Murphy, and Duncan Keith.

The Oilers are dedicating tomorrow’s final scrimmage to Colby Cave. They’ll play in an exhibition game against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night. After that? It’s showtime.