Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook is expected to return in five-to-six months in time for training camp in September after undergoing three surgeries in a six-week span.
Seabrook, who will turn 35 years old April 20, had procedures on his right shoulder in late December, left hip in early January and right hip Thursday. He has four years remaining on his contract after this season with a $6.875 million salary cap hit.
With Seabrook and defenseman Calvin de Haan — who also had right shoulder surgery in December — on long-term injured reserve, Chicago has added $11.425 million in salary cap space. Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman could use the extra funds to help him make trades prior to the NHL’s trade deadline, which is Monday, Feb. 24.
Chicago (25-21-8) has lost three of its past four games (1-1-2) and trail the Flames by two points for the second wild card in the Western Conference.