In more than a few games and practices this preseason, Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville reunited Seabrook and Duncan Keith on the first defensive pairing. Though it worked okay on some occasions (the 8-6 Detroit loss being one of them) there are simply more pros than cons to keeping Seabrook off the first pairing.
For example, Brent Seabrook is said to be in the best shape of his life coming into this season however that means that he’s conditioned, not quicker. Speed has never been his thing and, although he’s looked more agile this season, keeping him out of those top line matchups would be significantly more beneficial to him.