There has been talk that cap constraints could push the Chicago Blackhawks to potentially move defenseman Brent Seabrook once his deal runs out after this season, but a recent report suggests that contract extension talks between the two sides are actually yielding positive results. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, that bastion of NHL inside information, reported as part of his "30 Thoughts" column on Wednesday night that contract extension talks between Seabrook and the Blackhawks were "moving in the right direction."
Friedman added that "information is tight," which makes sense considering the standard operating procedure for the franchise and GM Stan Bowman over the last six or seven seasons, but it seems at the very least that there's something positive to report there.
Seabrook, 30, has been the tough, gritty heart and soul of the Blackhawks team and blueline over the past decade. Since entering the league at age 20, Seabrook has developed into one of the league's elite defenseman and a key cog for a Hawks team that has seen unparalleled success, as evidenced, of course, by their three Stanley Cup wins over the past six seasons.
As impressive as his ice time and almost annual 30-plus point contributions to the Hawks lineup, are his possession numbers. Seabrook has posted a 50-plus Corsi for percentage at even strength every season he's been in the league.
Entering the final year of a five-year, $29 million contract extension that began in 2011-12, Seabrook is set to hit unrestricted free agency after this season if he and the team can't come together on a new deal. Considering Bowman's hand has already been forced this offseason on several occasions - Brandon Saad, Johnny Oduya, Patrick Sharp - it's likely that the dual mammoth contract extension for Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane will again play a part in negotiations.
As will the depth of the entire Hawks organization. The development of players like Ville Pokka and Trevor van Riemsdyk will go a long way toward determining what kind of offer Bowman makes to Seabrook. There's no doubting Seabrook's talent. But there's also no doubting the new already-top heavy structure of the Chicago lineup.
