"I'm excited for training camp," the 35-year-old told The Athletic in remarks published Friday. "I'm excited for the opportunity to get back out there and show everybody what I've got. I'm not done playing hockey. I get that 35 is old in the sports world, but I don't feel old, I still feel young.''
Seabrook has not played since Dec. 15, 2019. He had shoulder surgery 12 days later, then had a procedure on his left hip in January and one on his right hip in February.
Prior to last season, Seabrook missed 18 games in his previous 12 full NHL seasons and played at least 81 games eight times in his 15 seasons with the Blackhawks. He has scored 464 points (103 goals, 316 assists) in 1,114 NHL games and 59 points (20 goals, 39 assists) in 123 Stanley Cup Playoff games, helping Chicago win the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and 2015.
"I feel like I'm 19 years old again trying to make the team," said Seabrook, who is
signed through the 2023-24 season
. "I'm skating and doing treatment and doing all these extra things here and there, just trying to get prepared and ready. Get the flexibility back, which was a battle for a while. And get the skating back, which has been great. The last 2-3 weeks I've felt really good on the ice. … It's been incredible."
The NHL season is targeted to begin Jan. 1, 2021.
Seabrook was not with the Blackhawks for the Stanley Cup Qualifiers in the Western Conference hub city of Edmonton in July and August. Chicago defeated the Edmonton Oilers and then were eliminated by the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Blackhawks have not reached the second round of the playoffs since 2015 and this offseason put out a letter to fans saying in part, "We're committed to developing young players and rebuilding our roster."
Seabrook reportedly was included in discussions with general manager Stan Bowman, coach Jeremy Colliton and teammates Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and Jonathan Toews about the direction of the team.
"I haven't felt this good in 10 years," Seabrook said. "Getting up out of bed, or little things like tying your shoes, just getting on the ground and playing with my kids, all that stuff has been a lot better."
"I just sort of feel normal as everyday life goes. And I'd say over the last month, I've started to feel that way on the ice."
