The Chicago Blackhawks are keeping one of the key players who helped the franchise win three Stanley Cups in the past six seasons, signing veteran defenseman Brent Seabrook to an eight-year, $55 million extension deal.
NHL.com reported that the Blackhawks made the announcement of the signing last Saturday.
Seabrook was the 14th overall pick by Chicago in the 2003 National Hockey League (NHL) Draft.
Last season, Seabrook played in 82 regular season games tallying a total of 31 points (eight goals, 23 assists).
In the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup-winning playoff run, the 30-year-old defenseman scored seven goals and four assists (11 points) in 23 games played.
"It's a huge relief. I'm excited to be a Blackhawk. That's where I wanted to be the whole time," Seabrook said regarding his new deal following a preseason win, according to NHL.com.
Seabrook also stated, "I'd like to spend my whole career here. It's up to me now to fulfill my end of the bargain and go from there."
In ten seasons with the Blackhawks, Seabrook played a total of 763 regular season games and recorded a total 318 points (71 goals, 247 assists).
Seabrook also made 112 postseason appearances and tallied 57 points (19 goals, 38 assists).
NHL.com reported that Seabrook's deal will have an average annual value of $6.875 million which might give the Blakchawks a harder time negotiating the league's salary cap in the future.
But Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said it is a great problem to have because it is not easy acquiring a player like Seabrook.
Bowman also praised Seabrook's ability of stepping up during important games in which he was scoring crucial goals.
"You go down the line, you look at some important things, so when those critical moments come in a game or in a series, Brent's the guy that can step up and get things done," Bowman added.
The Blackhawks are currently 3–1 in the preseason, which started last Tuesday, and their title defense will begin when they open the new season on Oct. 7 facing the New York Rangers.
