One of the modern NHL’s top defensemen has decided to hang it up.
After much consternation following his exit from the playoffs this season, Edmonton Oilers defender Duncan Keith has reportedly decided to retire from the NHL after a remarkable 17-year career.
The long-time stalwart of the Chicago Blackhawks blueline, Keith logged a whopping 1,256 games at hockey’s highest level, racking up 106 goals and 540 assists for 675 points while averaging an eye-popping 24:41 in ice time per night over his distinguished career.
Keith also took home his fair share of accolades, as well.
The Winnipeg native is a three-time Stanley Cup winner, two-time Norris Trophy winner, three-time All-Star, and also took home the 2014-15 Conn Smythe for postseason MVP after the Blackhawks’ third championship in six seasons. If that weren’t enough, Keith managed to finish in the top-10 in Norris voting seven times in the middle of his career from 2007-2017. In terms of consistency, few were better, with Keith routinely locking up the best his opponents had to offer on a nightly basis while serving as the defensive staple of the first quasi-dynasty of the salary cap era.
Barring an absolute oversight, Keith will undoubtedly be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as soon as he’s eligible.
By retiring, Keith also helps his latest employer quite a bit as they chart their path ahead. With one year left on his deal, Keith’s retirement now opens up some serious cap space for the Oilers precisely when they need it the most, erasing his entire $5.54 million cap hit from their books and increasing Edmonton’s wiggle room to upwards of $15 million with free agency only days away.
And so, an incredible career comes to an end.
