So the brain says Yes Yes Yes, but the body says No No No. I guess what would you expect him to say? "Yes, I've lost 2 steps in just a couple of years"? I don't think he would admit that he has lost it yet especially with 4 remaining years. I think his pride prevents this and also admitting this to his teammates would be a bad lead. Not being 100% (needing the rest and rebuilding) gives him an out and allows him to maintain that pride that all athletes carry. If he can't come back next year better than he was he will gradually see the writing on the wall. His ice minutes will continue to be decreased or he will only be used in certain situations i.e. 7th D.
If he still sucks when he returns and you can't dump his salary, why not use him as a Left wing? Put his ass in front of the net to cause trouble (He's Big). Or use him as a 3rd d-man i.e. a lock guy? This would allow one of our more offensive D-men to get more aggressive and you wouldn't allow the odd man breaks. You would minimize his Ice time even more which is a good thing. I would argue that Seabrook in that role would be more valuable than Zach Smith.
The other alternative is that you go ahead and dress 7 d-men and double shift Kane on the first and third line. This is already being done in many games so it's not a new idea.
Some may scoff at my suggestions, but if Brent can't play at a high level and he still wants to play (and refuses to take LTIR) and can't be traded, and worries remain within the core that the hawks aren't treating him right, these are some ideas to get through the next few seasons. So far, our coaching staff hasn't fixed this situation (except for sitting him a couple of games and pissing off the core), but it's time to start to evaluate if he is really is one of the top 6 d-men on this team. I also surely wouldn't want the hawks to keep a prospect waiting until Seabrook contract expires.
I would like to thank Hatrick Kane for involking Byfuglien cause I believe he was moved from D to Forward on this team many years ago.
