Sharp, Blackhawks deny any team turmoil
The TV cameras were about to shut down and Brent Seabrook nearly headed off to continue his day after the Blackhawks' practice Sunday at Johnny's IceHouse West.
Instead, he stopped in his tracks. He turned to reporters and proceeded to attack persistent Internet rumors about the Blackhawks' locker room being in turmoil.
"There's something else I want to address, too," Seabrook said. "I think there's been a lot of stuff being made here on social media lately. Being a leader on this team, I think this team's never been tighter. We've never been a tighter group.
"Some of the rumors that have been said, I think are laughable. You know, there's nothing going on in this locker room. I've been here 10 years and nothing's been going on, so we're a tight group."
Captain Jonathan Toews then met with reporters and used that same "a tight group" to describe the Hawks.
Soon after, it was Patrick Sharp's turn to speak.
Sharp is the main subject of the rumors, which have spread via social media, websites and local sports talk radio. The allegations involve extramarital affairs, contentious relationships with teammates and even a fist fight in the locker room, which was refuted by the Blackhawks in Florida during their recent road trip.
Sharp, clearly upset, said the rumors aren't true.
"It's been tough," he said, his voice almost shaking. "As a hockey player, as a professional, you're out there and you're up for grabs for on-ice play. I'm OK with that. Trade rumors, talk about my play on the ice, I'm fine with that. I can handle that.
"But when people delve into your personal life and make up rumors and things that are completely false and untrue, it takes a toll on you. And it takes a toll on your family, your friends, and it's completely unnecessary."
Like Seabrook, Sharp insisted there is no locker-room discontent.
"It's been tough, but I know I've got a strong group of teammates here. We're going to stick together," he said. "It's almost laughable. I wish I could say it's comical, but when it's your name involved, it takes a toll."
Sharp's goal production has lagged, especially after returning from a knee sprain that sidelined him a month. He has 10 goals and 22 assists in 49 games but only 3 goals during even strength. Sharp doesn't make excuses for his play, but this time he allowed for an exception.
"It all goes hand in hand," Sharp said. "If you're feeling good, that translates on the ice."
He was asked if he could do anything about the rumors, and he acknowledged that legal action is something he's checking into with an attorney.
"It's definitely something I'm pursuing, thinking about, talking to a lawyer," Sharp said. "I feel like you hear things said about people all the time. It's like anybody can type something on a computer and get away with it and not be held responsible or accountable.
"I mentioned earlier, it is laughable. It's comical, but when it affects your family, when you've got two little girls at home and your parents are calling you, it takes a toll."