Chicago Blackhawks: Brent Seabrook Is an Investment Worth Protecting

One of the Chicago Blackhawks' running story lines throughout the 2010-11 season was the possibility of an extension for defenseman Brent Seabrook.  The Blackhawks ultimately sent mixed signals on the value they placed on one of their defensive stalwarts.

On one hand, the organization took good care of Seabrook, signing him to a five-year, $29 million extension late in February.  Two months later, they showed a blatant disregard for their investment that could have severe ramifications down the road.

Was Seabrook worth the investment?  I feel he was.

Seabrook started the season slowly like a lot of other Blackhawks.  By the end of the season, he put together what may have been the most consistent year among all the defensemen.  In many ways, his sixth NHL season was his strongest to date.

Seabrook led 'Hawks defensemen in goals (9), assists (39), points (48) and power play goals (5).  His 227 hits were nearly 60 more than Duncan Keith, Brian Campbell, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Chris Campoli and Nick Leddy combined for this season.

His hit total was good enough for third in the league for defensemen, and he was in the top 10 in scoring at the position.  He also blocked 154 shots, good for second on the team.  He also earned a spot on the No. 1 power play unit.

Like frequent linemate Keith, Seabrook's plus/minus took a prodigious hit in 2010-11.  He was even for the season, compared to a plus-20 last year.

It's not surprising Seabrook was inked to a five-year extension near the trade deadline even as some proclaimed that the 'Hawks were shopping him.  Look how he compares to the other defensemen on the roster.

Many of us are hoping the 'Hawks acquire a hard-nosed, physical defender.  It's obvious that Seabrook is the physical element on the Chicago blue line.  He was arguably our best defender this season and is the physical player we need more of, yet he led the defensemen in offensive categories as well.

His contract is fair for the production he brings to the team and doesn't run on until the end of time like those of Keith and Campbell.  There is a strong chance that Seabrook will still be capable of elite statues among his peers when the contract is over.

Provided the 'Hawks don't roll the dice with his health again.

This is a reference to the organization's handling of Seabrook in the playoffs against Vancouver, specifically how they handled the crushing hit laid on Seabrook by Raffi Torres.

Seabrook took the full force of Torres behind the Blackhawks' net in Game 3 of the series in Chicago and wobbled off the ice.  Minutes later, without being checked out thoroughly by the 'Hawks medical staff, Seabrook was allowed to go back onto the ice.

Seabrook was taken out for good a few shifts later, but not before taking another hit from Torres in what was a foolhardy, irresponsible folly on the part of the Blackhawks.  Seabrook missed the next two games with a concussion.

The questionable hit on Seabrook became a rallying cry for the 'Hawks.  This may have obscured the team's ignorance of allowing him back into a contest to face a potentially catastrophic blow to the head.  In my mind, the organization has to be called on this poor decision.

Seabrook has suffered from more than one concussion in the course of his NHL career, and it is in this area that one can question the five-year commitment made by the 'Hawks.

Seabrook's style of play is sorely needed in Chicago.  At the same time, it will make him susceptible to similar injuries.  However, the Blackhawks did not do right by their big investment by risking a more serious situation.

From a financial standpoint, it's foolish.  From a human standpoint, it's just plain shameful.