Duncan Keith is set to retire. While no official word has been given from the player or the Edmonton Oilers, reports from Pierre LeBrun and Frank Seravalli indicate the star defenceman is ready to hang up his skates.
Confirming #Oilers D Duncan Keith has reached a decision to retire, leaving Edmonton with lots of cap flexibility now. #Blackhawks will also be hit with a cap recapture charge, which was a difficult part of Keith’s discernment process.
First to report: @PierreVLeBrun
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 8, 2022
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Duncan Keith Retires
This marks the end of a tremendous career for the Winnipeg native. Drafted 54th overall in 2002 by the Chicago Blackhawks, Keith became one of the premier defensemen of his generation. He combined excellent skating and puck handling with physicality and tenacity. He played all but one of his 17 seasons in Chicago where the team found tremendous success. In 1,256 games Keith collected 646 points.
He was also a core piece of the Blackhawks three Stanley Cups they won between 2010 and 2015, winning the Conn Smythe in 2015. Keith won two Norris Trophies, was a two-time first-team All-Star, a second-team All-Star in 2017 and played in four All-Star games.
Keith also shined on the International stage, representing Canada. He won back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014. His long illustrious career will surely land him in the Hockey Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible.
Impact in Chicago
With the pending announcement, the Edmonton Oilers are going to free up some much-needed salary-cap space. Due to the cap recapture penalties, Keith’s salary will count against the Chicago Blackhawks salary cap for the next two seasons. Keith will count for $5,538,462 in the first year and $1,938,456 in the second.
Impact in Edmonton
Keith played his final NHL season with the Edmonton Oilers helping to mentor their young defence core. His guidance helped the Oilers reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2006. While he will leave a hole on the Oilers defence, his retirement creates significant salary-cap space for Edmonton. Heading into free agency the Oilers now have just over $10 million in cap space to improve the team.
Duncan Keith is retiring, per @PierreVLeBrun
– Three-time Stanley Cup champion
– Two-time Norris Trophy winner
– 2015 Conn Smythe Trophy winner pic.twitter.com/njeOs8vGJq— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) July 8, 2022
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