Coach Jeremy Colliton also believes Seabrook will play a big role this season but has decided to go in a different direction while trying to right the ship from a 2-5-2 start. That led to the benching of Seabrook, one of the most respected teammates and leaders in the dressing room.
"I've known 'Seabs' since I was 10 years old, so obviously there''s a relationship there," Colliton said. "But, if anything, you just re-emphasize he's part of this group and we care about him a lot and he's going to help us win. We're doing what we can for the team.
"We feel (Seabrook) can help us win," Colliton added. "He's going to get an opportunity. There have been other guys who have sat out and come in and been really good so he'll get that chance too."
This is not the first time Seabrook has been a healthy scratch, but in the past it was under the premise of being rested. When asked about that during a session with the media following the Blackhawks' morning skate, Seabrook said, "I don't think I need rest-I think I feel great.
"I'm 34," he continued. "You guys seem to want to write articles about my age and my speed. I feel like I still got a lot to offer in this league and still be a good player for somebody. I'm just going to try and do my thing out here … (and) just try to work hard and get back in the lineup when I can-if I can-and just try and be a good teammate."
