As alternative captain, Seabrook 'honored' for new role
One of Joel Quenneville's favorite lines when discussing roster moves or ice time is that the Blackhawks "like tough decisions."
Strong competition among the players is one huge reason for the team's success under Q.
There was one decision of late, however, that took almost no thought at all: making veteran defenseman Brent Seabrook an alternate captain. Quenneville made the announcement before the team left for training camp in South Bend, Indiana, last week.
"We talk about the locker room, the voice that's probably heard the loudest and most noticeable is Seabs," Quenneville said.
Said team captain Jonathan Toews: "Since I've been a Blackhawk, he's been one of those guys that I've looked up to and learned from, on and off the ice. Regardless of what's going on with his own game, he's always bringing positive energy - everything we need to hear and feel in the locker room (and) on the bench. … Great for a guy like that to get recognized."
It was the first time Quenneville assigned a captain's letter to a player as Toews, Patrick Sharp and Duncan Keith already were tagged upon his arrival in 2008. "First one I've handed out, so it was special, yeah," he said.
Seabrook, who is entering his 11th season with the Hawks despite being only 30, said he was "really excited" about the appointment.
"It (stinks) that it's sort of at the expense of losing Sharpie (to Dallas), but being able to put that on, it's a great honor," Seabrook said. "It's such a storied franchise with a lot of history and a lot of great players that have been through here.
"I'm very honored to be able to wear that."
Seabrook is entering the final year of his five-year, $29 million deal. He and his agent have been in contact with the Hawks about an extension, but nothing has been settled.
"I really don't want it to be a distraction," said Seabrook, who isn't putting a deadline on when a deal would have to get done before shutting down talks. "My goals are in here and with my teammates and focused on getting into the playoffs."
Explosive possibilities:
Joel Quenneville decided to put Teuvo Teravainen (left wing), Artem Anisimov (center) and Patrick Kane (right wing) together Tuesday night in the Hawks' 5-4 preseason victory over Detroit.
Quenneville envisions Teravainen centering a line this season, but preseason is a time for experimentation, something the coach isn't afraid to do even when the games count. That line would definitely produce plenty of scoring chances but also would figure to be a defensive liability as well.
"With Teuvo and Kaner, it's something we can discuss," Quenneville said. "Are they compatible with each other? I mean, they're so good with the puck that maybe balance (by splitting them up) is something to look at as well."
The 21-year-old Teravainen has looked more comfortable on and off the ice, and that hasn't escaped his coach.
"I think he looks stronger, he looks bigger," Quenneville said. "I thought a gradual maturity has been ongoing with him. I think he's improved every step of the way here, and I think he's had a real good camp to date."
Happy with response:
In the wake of an investigation for an alleged sexual assault that occurred in his New York home, Patrick Kane continues to be grateful for the response from Hawks fans. Kane has not been charged with any crime, although a grand jury probe may reconvene later this month.
"Just driving in last night you see some 88 jerseys walking into the building and things like that," Kane said of Monday's Training Camp Festival at the United Center. "It's pretty cool to see.
"Fans have always been great here, but especially the last week, or whatever it's been, the support has been great. That's kind of what you come to expect from Chicago fans in a good way. So, it's exciting."
New digs:
The Hawks redesigned the team's locker room over the off-season, and the players say they love it. "It's unbelievable," Brent Seabrook said. "The whole room is really amazing."
Seabrook credited owner Rocky Wirtz, president and CEO John McDonough, GM Stan Bowman, vice president of hockey operations Al MacIsaac, executive vice president Jay Blunk, as well as the coaches and trainers for creating a new atmosphere.
"Everybody did a great job," Seabrook said. "They really put a lot of heart into this place. (They) made it something that we're going to love coming to and hanging out here all the time."
Tip-in:
The Hawks trimmed their roster to 59 players Tuesday by releasing forwards Hayden McCool, Radovan Bondra and Roy Radke.
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