Blackhawks Notes: Seabrook in Management; Reichel Moving Up

A couple bits of news and notes as the Chicago Blackhawks practiced today and some interesting notes as they prepare to take on the Montreal Canadiens tomorrow.

Brent Seabrook is back in hockey–as a member of the management group with Team Canada.

Team Canada U20 coach and management announcement today. Alan Letang Head Coach, Pete Anholt and Brent Seabrook management group.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) October 13, 2023

Seabrook will be part of the group responsible for picking the World Juniors roster for Canada in the upcoming tournament in December. Seabrook represented his country often as a player and his inclusion now that he’s retired is not surprising.

The 38-year-old former Blackhawks defensemen always had the knack for leadership, but wore the A with Jonathan Toews being the long-time captain of the club during their tenure together. Seabrook, however, famously calmed Toews down during the 2013 Western Conference semi-final game when the captain took another penalty and was absolutely livid over it.

Seabrook’s leadership was a calming presence, more there than spoken. Now he’ll be having a say in who the Canadians put out there to represent the country in the World Juniors.

Maybe Kyle Davidson will come calling down the road.

Blackhawks Moving Reichel Up to Top Power Play Line

He won’t be on the top line even strengthened, but those wanting to see Lukas Reichel with Connor Bedard will view it on the top power play unit.

Head coach Luke Richardson admits there’s chemistry there, but wants to keep Reichel down the middle at even strength.

“We tried that at the end of last game,” Richardson said. “I thought we had a good spark there so it’s always nice to know and go back to if we need. But we just want to give Reichs some more time at center.”

The power play, though, has the potential for potency and its something the Blackhawks they need. Special teams are still scoreless in seven tries, but maybe a little shift could change things.

The Blackhawks faceoff against the Canadiens tonight at 6:00pm.