Blackhawks Sign Brent Seabrook to Five-Year Contract

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have signed defenseman Brent Seabrook to a five-year contract extension worth $29 million. The deal averages out to $5.8 million per season and includes a limited no-trade clause. He would have been eligible for restricted free agency this summer. In 61 games so far this season, he has four goals and 29 assists for 33 points. Not a bad signing for the Blackhawks in terms of defensive depth, as Seabrook brings some offensive skill to the blueline. He can also play a lot of minutes, has good size, and skates well. However, this deal does not help out the Blackhawks' salary cap situation and is going to likely handcuff them down the road. They will likely have to sacrifice depth on other areas of the team in future seasons to remain salary cap compliant. This deal could make it very difficult for the Blackhawks to attempt to retain Patrick Sharp next summer, as well as comfortably retain restricted free agents Troy Brouwer, Corey Crawford, Jake Dowell, and Michael Frolik this summer.